CDC warns of a deadly drug more dangerous than fentanyl

NORFOLK, Va. – While fentanyl is a deadly drug booming in the country’s illicit drug market, the CDC is sounding the alarm about something more powerful than that.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanylwhich is considered by the DEA to be the deadliest drug threat to hit our country.

Carfentanil is used to calm large animals such as giraffes, elephants and horses. While it’s nothing new, the CDC issued an alert this month saying it has resurfaced in the U.S. drug supply.

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According to the DEA, two milligrams of carfentanil, the size of a few grains of salt, can kill 50 people.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shane Todd says it is mixed with other medications to make a cheaper product.

“Carfentanil has been found in powder form and in the form of fake pills. Similar to fake Fentanyl pills, where we found traces of fentanyl. The same goes for carfentanil, but to a lesser extent,” says Todd.

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Data from the CDC shows that carfentanil-related deaths have increased over the past three years. DEA leaders say there have been no deaths in Virginia so far, but there have been a handful of cases in Maryland.

DEA experts say they worry carfentanil could spark the next drug crisis.

“This is not a threat that will necessarily go away. It is important that we educate the public, educate our children, and educate others who are directly targeted by these cartels as customers. You should never take a pill that has not been prescribed for you by a doctor obtained from a pharmacy,” Todd said.

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Carfentanil comes in pills, powders and other forms that can be injected, smoked, snorted or swallowed.

Health officials urge the public to:

Carry naloxone, available at many pharmacies without a prescription
Report suspected overdoses immediately
Be aware that counterfeit pills and illegal medications may contain carfentanil