Meet The New Drug That Could Soon Devastate Central New York

For the past year many of the top stories from local media outlets have involved a death related to heroin, or other opiates, in Central New York. Now, there is the very real possibility a new street drug is making its way into our communities, and local law enforcement officials are concerned.

The drug is called Carfentanil. The DEA agency website says this opioid is 10,000 times more potent than morphine. According to a DEA release,

Carfentanil is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act and is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals.  The lethal dose range for carfentanil in humans is unknown.  However, as noted, carfentanil is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which can be lethal at the 2-milligram range, depending on route of administration and other factors.

Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol is aware of the drug, and is aware of the potential dangers involved with it. He says the drug is so powerful, it could impact those first responders having to come in contact with it. Maciol says, "Carfentanil is one of the most dangerous drugs we have seen in quite some time. We are very concerned."

It's very important to make sure that your children are aware of the dangers of drugs, and let's hope the entire drug problem gets resolved soon.

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