Authorities in San Diego have issued a public safety and health alert after discovering carfentanil — a drug far more lethal than fentanyl — in counterfeit pills circulating the region.
The San Diego District Attorney’s Office, Overdose Response Strategy (ORS), and San Diego/Imperial HIDTA confirmed the drug was detected in fake “M-30” pills. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid 100 times stronger than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It is typically used to tranquilize elephants and other large animals.
Officials warn that even the smallest amount can be fatal, and Narcan (naloxone) may not always work to reverse an overdose.
Signs of a Carfentanil Overdose
-
Slowed or stopped breathing
-
Blue or gray skin
-
Unconsciousness
-
Gurgling or rattling sounds
DEA Safety Guidance
-
Use extreme caution: Only trained and equipped law enforcement should handle suspected substances.
-
Watch for exposure symptoms: These include drowsiness, disorientation, pinpoint pupils, clammy skin, or respiratory distress within minutes.
-
Seek immediate medical attention: Multiple doses of naloxone may be needed, administered every 2–3 minutes until normal breathing returns or EMS arrives.
Authorities also warned that carfentanil can look like powdered cocaine or heroin. Compounding the danger, fentanyl test strips may not detect carfentanil, meaning a negative result does not guarantee the pill is safe.
Leave a Reply