The drug Carfentanil was first derived, from fentanyl, in 1974, but now 'street' or illegal versions are making their way across the country.  Some may be legally produced then illegally sold, but either way, Police say it could dwarf it's 'cousin' when it comes to potential issues.

It was originally created to be used by veterinarians to tranquilize very large animals, such as elephants, rhinos, bears, etc. (See below).  Now, drug peddlers have discovered it has a 'use' on the streets.

Kennewick Police say there is evidence the drug may already have made it's way here. According to federal government sources, including justthinktwice.gov:

  1. "Carfentanil, a synthetic opioid, is a white powdery substance that looks like it could be cocaine or heroin. Drug dealers mix it with heroin to presumably make the heroin stronger.
  2. It is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
  3. The drug is also used to tranquilize elephants and other large mammals.
  4. This drug is so powerful it poses a significant threat to first responders and law enforcement personnel who touch it by accident. In addition, people can overdose on carfentanil quickly. Multiple doses of the anti-overdose drug Narcan may not be effective.
  5. Users exposed to carfentanil can experience dizziness, clammy skin, shallow breathing, heart failure and more."

Police say without any quality control or safety precautions, which of course don't happen with drug dealers or street peddlers, the consequences could be disastrous. Especially shocking is the effect (listed above) that it even has from exposure to First Responders.  To read more about this new threat, click on the button below.

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