Drug experts fear a new crisis with a super-powerful monster elephant tranquilizer leading to a rise in deaths.
Nick Matthews, a recovering heroin addict who runs the Stillwater Behavioral Health Center in Los Angeles, told The US Sun earlier this year about the dangers of extremely powerful fentanyl pills flooding the streets.
4
4
4
But there are now new concerns surrounding the increased use of carfentanil, which, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, caused 513 overdose deaths between 2021 and early 2024.
Carfentanil was initially developed to sedate large animals, and is estimated to be 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl.
Matthews says it's “substantially” more dangerous than zombie trance xylazine, which has raised similar alarm over the past few years.
Most importantly, drug prevention experts warn that even a “trace” amount of carfentanil is fatal.
Read more in the American newspaper The Sun
“This makes it much more dangerous than other substances that were previously of concern,” Matthews told the US Sun.
While experts are not concerned about addiction, mainly due to the strength of carfentanil, the chances of overdose in accidental or unwitting users are frighteningly high.
The problems arise because of the dosage, as just 2 milligrams is enough to kill 50 people, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
To put these doses into context, an elephant only needs a pinch to calm down.
Once digested, it can cause “immediate and fatal respiratory failure even before it forms any physical dependence,” according to Matthews.
Carfentanil-related deaths were relatively rare between January 2021 and June 2023, with fewer than 30 deaths every six months.
Dramatic increase in overdoses
However, in the second half of 2023, deaths rose dramatically from 29 to 175, a massive 503% increase.
This upward trend continued into 2024, with carfentanil-related deaths reaching 238 by June, representing a 720% rise from the first half of 2023.
Although overall drug overdose deaths have been decreasing since 2023, they remain alarmingly high, with most linked to illegally made fentanyl.
The CDC report also notes that carfentanil overdose deaths are becoming increasingly frequent, indicating an “ever-changing illicit drug supply” that poses a challenge to progress made in reducing overdose deaths.
It is untraceable to some advanced drug testers and is very powerful… even a drug test can be deadly.
Nick Matthews
Carfentanil sneaks onto the market clandestinely and can be found in heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit pills.
In today's ever-changing drug market, the ease of popping a pill is an updated, faster and cheaper alternative to using heroin, Matthews told The US Sun in May.
Although social media sites, such as Snapchat, can be used to promote drug dealing, the main concern about carfentanil is that it can be hidden in any street drug, so any illegal purchase could be potentially fatal, especially given that less than A pinch can kill.
Chilling warning
While no side effects such as skin ulcers have been reported from the tranquilizer drug, the speed with which serious health problems can occur is of great concern.
“In general, it has severe and rapid effects that lead to respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and death if it is not reversed within a short period,” the expert warned.
Carfentanil is often manufactured in sophisticated chemical laboratories, some underground, and sometimes located in other countries.
Despite international agreements, production continues, and the drug appears on the American market through various routes.
Carfentanil has been found in various parts of the United States, but its effects are most pronounced in Ohio and Florida.
However, it is not evenly distributed, and new hotspots can quickly emerge due to the categorical nature of drug markets.
Risk of airborne exposure
Another problem is that the substance can become airborne in certain situations when mishandled or during law enforcement operations.
Its high strength means that even airborne particles can be dangerous.
Inhaling small amounts can lead to accidental exposure and overdose, posing risks not only to users but also to first responders and others who may inadvertently come into contact with the substance.
However, Matthews emphasizes that the risk of accidental exposure in everyday scenarios is “much lower than people might fear.”
However, he is doing his best to warn drug users and parents of teenagers who have started using drugs to be more vigilant.
“Both parents should be very aware of the fact that carfentanil can be present in any illicit drug, and may be common among young people as well,” Matthews concludes.
“It is untraceable to some advanced drug testers and is extremely powerful; therefore, even a drug test can be deadly. It is therefore essential that we discuss with young people the dangers of drug use and the potential risks of taking carfentanil and other new drugs.”
4
