Last year, New York witnessed a surge in drug overdoses. The reported deaths exceeded 3,000, and a staggering 89% of these deaths were directly linked to fentanyl, a synthetic drug.
There is growing worry about a new synthetic drug that has emerged in recent times, which is extremely lethal and is being sold on the streets.
Carfentanil is an incredibly potent drug that can sedate an elephant with ease. Even a tiny grain of it is lethal for a person if ingested. This drug, which has been responsible for at least seven overdose deaths in the city this year, is known for its deadly effects.
Bridget Brennan, the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, expresses her concern over the possibility of a surge in the number of cases.
In an interview with PIX11 News, she emphasized the grave dangers of the street drug market, stating that it has never been more lethal than it is today. She warned that purchasing drugs from these sources could result in fatal consequences.
According to Brennan, Carfentanil is a fine powder that originates from China and finds its way into the illegal drug market via Mexico. She stated that covert agents are intensifying their investigations to uncover the origin and the identities of the distributors. Brennan also expressed concern about the potential for Carfentanil abuse to escalate, as has occurred with Fentanyl. She cautioned that even the smallest amount of this substance – a mere grain – can be lethal and could result in an even greater number of fatalities than the already record-breaking overdose statistics.
Carfentanil has been detected in all five boroughs, with the majority of seizures occurring in Brooklyn, including a seizure in Bushwick.
Brennan emphasized that carfentanil was discovered in some of the seized bags, and that it was mixed with various drugs such as cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin, all of which appear as white powders. She stated that those who use these drugs are not intentionally choosing to ingest carfentanil, and that they are unaware that it has been added to their drugs, which can lead to fatal consequences. According to Brennan, the source of the problem lies with the drug sellers who are mixing carfentanil with other drugs.
The city and state health departments have expressed concern over the increase in overdose cases. To caution against the use of this lethal new drug that is being added to already hazardous drugs, they have released public health alerts.
The special prosecutor delivered a sobering fact that added to the already frightening reality: “Fentanyl kills quickly, but carfentanil, which is 100 times more powerful, kills much more quickly.”
Carfentanil is an extremely potent drug that can endanger the lives of first responders and law enforcement personnel who come into contact with it accidentally. Those who use carfentanil may suffer from symptoms such as dizziness, clammy skin, and even heart failure. It is a hazardous substance that can have fatal consequences.
