A synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl is making a deadly return to the illicit drug market, according to a new warning from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The drug, called carfentanil, was originally developed as a tranquilizer for large animals like elephants. Now, law enforcement and health officials say it’s being found in pills sold on the street—and it’s contributing to a rising number of overdose deaths across the country.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose deaths involving carfentanil rose sharply in the first half of 2024. From January to June, 238 deaths were reported—up from just 29 during the same period in 2023. Carfentanil has now been detected in 37 states.
In Michigan alone, the Department of Health and Human Services recently issued an alert after confirming 11 deaths linked to carfentanil between January and June 2025.
“Carfentanil is an extremely potent and deadly drug,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “We’re urging people who use unregulated drugs – and their loved ones – to carry naloxone, an easy to administer nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses and save lives. Awareness and quick action can help save lives.”
The DEA says that most carfentanil seizures in 2024 involved pills or tablets, rather than the powder form seen in earlier years. Officials say this trend raises two major concerns:
- Increased risk of overdose: Because carfentanil is so potent, even one pill can be deadly.
- Deceptive appearance: The pills are often made to look like legitimate prescription medications, leading to unintentional use.
Carfentanil can cause symptoms like drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, and cold, clammy skin. These effects often begin within minutes of exposure, giving little time for intervention.
The DEA says treating a carfentanil overdose is particularly difficult. While naloxone is commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses, standard doses may not be strong enough for carfentanil. In many cases, multiple high doses are needed, and even then, survival is not guaranteed.
