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DEATHS linked to a powerful drug 100 times more potent than fentanyl have spiked 700% over the past year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has sounded the alarm about the deadly drug carfentanil.
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Carfentanil, an altered version of fentanyl, is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency.
The powerful opioid is 1,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
The illicit drug, often mixed with two other drugs, increases overdose.
Carfentanil can be lethal in doses as small as two milligrams.
Just two milligrams are needed to tranquilize an elephant.
Between 2021 and 2024, the CDC reported at least 513 drug overdose-related deaths linked to carfentanil.
However, between January 2021 and June 2023, the number of carfentanil-related deaths was at its lowest.
But overdose-related deaths linked to the powerful drug spiked in the latter half of 2023, jumping from 29 to 175 by December.
In 2024, the number of deaths connected to carfentanil continued to rise.
A total of 238 people died from the drug by June, a roughly 720% increase from the first half of 2023.
Dr. Chris Tuell, the clinical director of addiction services at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, said the illicit drug can be mass produced from a small amount.
“Very small amounts can produce thousands of doses,” Dr. Tuell told Fox News.
“Synthetic opioids like carfentanil are relatively easy to manufacture in illicit labs.
“Since the drug is a synthetic, it is easier to produce – unlike heroin, which is dependent on a plant like opium.
“Even a small amount can be fatal, as it can cause respiratory failure.”
Dr. Tuell warned that, like fentanyl, carfentanil is frequently masked with other drugs that could be fatal.
“Carfentanil can also resemble cocaine and heroin, so it blends right in with the other drugs,” he added.
“Even a tiny amount can increase the potency of a drug mixture, leading to a strong and longer-lasting high.”
Carfentanil-related deaths spike
Carfentanil is a powerful opioid 1,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
- Between 2021 and 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported at least 513 drug overdose-related deaths linked to carfentanil.
- Between 2021 and June 2023, the number of deaths linked to carfentanil was at its lowest.
- Overdose-related deaths linked to carfentanil spiked in the latter half of 2023, jumping from 29 to 175 by December.
- In 2024, the number of deaths connected to carfentanil continued to rise.
- A total of 238 people died from the drug by June, a roughly 720% increase from the first half of 2023.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
