WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the public about the growing presence of carfentanil, a synthetic opioid so powerful that even a tiny amount can be lethal.
Carfentanil, originally developed to sedate large animals like elephants, is not approved for human use. It is estimated to be 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl. DEA officials say the drug is increasingly being found mixed with other illicit substances or pressed into counterfeit pills designed to resemble prescription medications.
“This is one of the deadliest fentanyl analogues we’ve ever seen,” the DEA stated in a public alert issued Wednesday. “Carfentanil’s extreme potency and deceptive appearance are driving a new wave of fatal overdoses.”
Surge in Overdose Deaths
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths involving carfentanil surged from 29 in the first half of 2023 to 238 during the same period in 2024—an increase of more than 700%. The drug has now been detected in 37 states.
DEA laboratories have tested more than 100 kilograms of material containing carfentanil in 2024, surpassing the combined total from the previous three years. The majority of those seizures were in pill or tablet form, a shift from earlier trends when carfentanil was more commonly found in powder form.
“This trend is alarming,” the DEA alert noted. “The pill form makes it even harder for users to know what they’re taking.”
Dangers and Treatment Challenges
Carfentanil exposure can cause symptoms within minutes, including respiratory arrest, extreme drowsiness, sedation, pinpoint pupils, and disorientation. Because of its potency, overdoses are difficult to reverse. Naloxone, the opioid-reversal medication, may not be effective in standard doses.
“Multiple, high doses of naloxone may be required,” the DEA said. “Even then, reversal is not guaranteed.”
What You Can Do
The DEA is urging the public to avoid all illicit drugs and counterfeit pills, warning that one pill can kill.
Key precautions include:
- Avoiding unknown pills – Never take medication that wasn’t prescribed to you by a medical provider and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.
- Being prepared – If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services immediately and administer naloxone if available.
- Educating others – Talk to loved ones about the risks of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and its analogues like carfentanil.
“Public awareness is one of our best tools in preventing fatal poisonings,” the DEA said. “Carfentanil represents a chilling reminder that the opioid crisis continues to evolve and escalate.”
In May, Emily’s Hope reported on a warning from the CDC about a spike in carfentanil deaths.
For more information on opioid overdose prevention and how to access free naloxone kits, visit emilyshope.charity/find-narcan.
