The powerful opioid Carfentanil has made its way into Butler County.
According to the Butler County Coroner’s Office, one fatal overdose last year was linked to Carfentanil- which is an elephant tranquilizer and 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than morphine. It’s unclear if any of the fatal overdoses in Butler County so far this year are linked because of ongoing toxicology tests.
Carfentanil is particular concerning because of accidental exposure. It can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. First responders and medical personnel are being urged to take extreme caution when responding to a drug overdose in case the potent opioid is present. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency says the drug also poses a threat to the general public who may come into contact with it.
Some drug dealers are lacing heroin with Carfentanil to maximize their profits.
According to the Butler County Coroner’s Office, there were 74 fatal drug overdoses in Butler County in 2016.
Written By: Kayla Molczan for the Butler Radio Network
Photo Credit: Valley News Live_Nicole Johnson
