HOUSTON – The Houston Police Department has seized over 3,000 counterfeit Xanax pills in a Midtown raid late Wednesday evening, authorities confirmed today.
The sting operation, conducted by HPD’s Narcotics Division, took place inside a short-term rental unit near Bagby Street and McGowen. While no arrests have been made yet, investigators say the location was under surveillance for several weeks after multiple anonymous tips and a spike in overdoses nearby.
“We believe the operation is connected to a growing street-level supply network using encrypted messaging apps and social media,” said Lt. Raymond Lopez during a brief press conference.
According to HPD, the pills — pressed to resemble pharmaceutical-grade alprazolam — tested positive for dangerous levels of fentanyl.
The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement is working to identify individuals connected to the operation.
“This is a public health crisis disguised as recreational drug use,” Lopez added. “One fake pill can be fatal.”