ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is warning the public about pills containing fentanyl known as “Mexican Oxy” following an apparent fatal overdose linked to the pills. The death is believed to be the first in Minnesota from these pills.

The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office said Beth Leann Roulet, 38, died of an apparent opioid overdose on March 5 in a Mankato home. Investigators with the Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force discovered small, light-blue colored pills at the scene with the letter “M” on one side and the number 30 on the other.

Scientists in the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Drug Chemistry Laboratory have confirmed that the pills marked as legitimately manufactured oxycodone actually contain fentanyl.

According to investigators, counterfeit pills like these are believed to originate in Mexico and have been linked to fatal overdoses across the country. They look similar to legitimate pills.

“Counterfeit opioid drugs are designed to look like the real thing,” said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “Your supplier has no idea which dose would kill you, and neither will you. There is no safe dose.”

“Violent Crime Enforcement Teams are targeting mid to high level drug dealers in hopes of making our communities safer,” said Brian Marquart, statewide gang and drug coordinator. “We are trying to prevent any other tragedies from happening again.”

No charges have been filed as the Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force continues to investigate the overdose.