Street drug more potent than fentanyl found in Tucson

A new street drug more potent than fentanyl has been found in Tucson for the first time, authorities say.

The drug, a synthetic opioid called carfentanil, is often used to tranquilize large animals, like elephants.

On May 8, Tucson police seized multiple blue “M30” pills that appeared to be fentanyl but contained carfentanil.

The two are indistinguishable by sight, the health department said in a community health alert. Their contents, however, vary wildly. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid and while its lethal dose range for humans is unknown, the drug is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl, and could take several doses of nalexone (Narcan) to reverse its effects.

Small amounts of the drug can be fatal, even when touched or inhaled, also making it a danger for police and first responders, authorities say.

Phoenix saw its first carfentanil death in 2017 when a 21-year-old man was found dead of an overdose inside his vehicle.

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“The presence of carfentanil in illicit U.S. drug markets is cause for concern, as the relative strength of this drug could lead to an increase in overdoses and overdose-related deaths, even among opioid-tolerant users,” the DEA said.

The health department warns that anyone who unknowingly consumes carfentanil is at extreme risk of sudden death, especially when using additional substances like other synthetic opioids.

Those consuming illegal substances should assume that any powder, liquid or tablet they purchase could contain the fatal drug, much like the unsuspecting “M30”s seized by Tucson police.

It has been suggested that substance users never use alone, carry naloxone, and never use multiple drugs at a time.