Drug 100 Times More Powerful Than Heroin Responsible for Multiple Deaths in Md. (CBS Local)
Monday May 8th, 2017
A new drug, 100 times more powerful than heroin, is finding its way onto Maryland streets.
It’s to blame for several deaths in Anne Arundel County in recent weeks.
Fentanyl has been on the radar for quite some time but now carfentanyl is the latest threat killing people in Maryland.
It’s the newest deadly drug that’s popping up in Maryland autopsies.
“It’s very strong, it’s used as an elephant tranquilizer. So it is very potent, very deadly,” said Lt. Ryan Frashure of the Anne Arundel County Police.
Carfentanyl is a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than heroin. A minuscule amount even absorbed through the skin could be deadly.
Anne Arundel County police say three people died from carfentanyl overdoses in April alone.
“The only three positive tests we’ve had so far have come from the medical examiner, so that really shows you how deadly this stuff is,” Frashure said.
About 500 people died from drug overdoses last year in Baltimore City but this is a statewide epidemic that’s only getting worse.
“Overdose deaths have grown in Baltimore City and in Maryland. It is a public health emergency,” said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner.