Omaha Police have identified the presence of carfentanil within the metro Area. Carfentanil is a potent synthetic opioid that’s approximately 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
Emily Murray is the Public Information Officer for the Drug Enforcement Agency in Omaha and tells KLIN News they are extremely concerned about the emergence of the drug because even minimal exposure can lead to fatal overdoses.
Murray says carfentanil is used by zoos as a tranquilizer for large animals like elephants and rhinoceroses. “When you think about fentanyl being lethal at just two milligrams and carefentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, that puts things into prospective,” Murray says. “This is an incredibly dangerous drug that we want everyone to have awareness about and realize it is making it’s way into our community.”
OPD says carfentanil has been detected in the form of M-30 blue pills, but it could also appear as a liquid or powder resembling cocaine or heroin. Like cocaine and fentanyl, carfentanil is coming up from the southern border. “Then making their way across the country and into our Nebraska communities.” OPD says overdose symptoms can occur rapidly and may be more difficult to reverse,” Murray says.
Investigators say it could take 6-8 doses of Narcan to counteract the effects of carfentanil. If you suspect any exposure to fentanyl-related substances, including carfentanil, call 911 immediately and seek medical attention.