News Summary
San Diego has raised a safety alert due to the discovery of carfentanil, a synthetic opioid, in counterfeit pills. The potent substance, stronger than fentanyl, poses severe overdose risks, especially as it may not be detectable by standard testing. Authorities warn that even minimal exposure can lead to fatal outcomes, urging the community to avoid unverified medications. Public health officials highlight the need for caution amidst a concerning rise in carfentanil detections across the U.S., with past incidents reminding the community of its serious dangers.
San Diego has issued a public safety and health alert following the alarming discovery of carfentanil, a potent synthetic opioid, found in counterfeit pills in the area. This announcement, made by the San Diego District Attorney’s Office in collaboration with the San Diego Overdose Response Strategy and the San Diego/Imperial High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, underscores the critical dangers posed by this potent substance.
Carfentanil is reported to be over 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than morphine. Originally designed for tranquilizing large animals, including elephants, even a minute amount of carfentanil can lead to a fatal overdose in humans; as little as 0.02 mg, about the weight of a couple of grains of salt, is sufficient. This has raised significant alarm among public health officials, especially given that the drug can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, posing additional risks to first responders and law enforcement personnel.
The counterfeit “M-30” pills containing carfentanil are often mistaken for legitimate medications such as OxyContin or Xanax, creating a dire health risk for users who are unaware of their true contents. Importantly, authorities have noted that carfentanil may not be detectable through standard fentanyl test strips. A negative test result does not guarantee the pills are safe, leading to concerns about the potential for undiagnosed overdoses.
Risks and Symptoms of Overdose
Signs of a carfentanil overdose may include severely slowed or stopped breathing, changes in skin color to blue or gray, unconsciousness, and gurgling sounds. In cases of suspected exposure, timely medical intervention is critical. However, the commonly used overdose reversal drug, Narcan (naloxone), may not effectively counteract a carfentanil overdose, further complicating potential rescue efforts.
Increasing Threat of Carfentanil
The urgency of the alert is amplified by recent data indicating a steep increase in carfentanil detections in the United States. A report from Millennium Health Signals Alert™ highlights a rise from 11 detections over the previous three years to 134 instances across 21 states from July 2023 to June 2024. Public health authorities are genuinely concerned about the potential for an increase in fatal overdoses due to the steady rise in carfentanil’s presence.
Historically, carfentanil has been linked to significant overdose outbreaks, as observed during the 2016-2017 crisis. In San Diego alone, there have been three documented deaths due to carfentanil in 2017, serving as a grim reminder of the ongoing threat posed by this drug, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Recommendations for Public Safety
In light of these alarming developments, authorities urge the community to exercise extreme caution when considering the use of any pills from unverified sources, particularly those without a prescription from a legitimate pharmacy. The unpredictable nature of illegally manufactured drugs can lead to unexpected concentrations of harmful substances, making any form of use potentially life-threatening.
In conclusion, the San Diego public safety alert serves as a critical reminder of the growing risks associated with counterfeit pills containing carfentanil. With its extreme potency and severe health implications, it is imperative that community members are informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health and well-being.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Wikipedia: Carfentanil
- Business Wire
- Google Search: Carfentanil
- 10 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Opioid
- NBC San Diego
- Google News: Carfentanil
- San Diego Union-Tribune
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
