DEA Sounds Alarm on Elephant Tranquilizer Disguised as Heroin
September 23, 2016
September 23, 2016 - The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is warning the public and police nationwide about an emerging epidemic that has been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths. Carfentanil, used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals, is an analogue of the synthetic opioid analgesic fentanyl. Cargentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
Carfentanil, which is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, has been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths in various parts of the country. Improper handling of carfentanil, as well as fentanyl and other fentanyl-related compounds, can be life-threatening, the agency said.