Area law enforcement officials are being warned to be on the lookout for a synthetic opioid that could pose a deadly risk to them if they come in contact with it.

Carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl and is used for tranquilizing elephants.  It is lethal even in very small doses to humans.

A warning to police shows a small spot of the material next to a penny and warns two milligrams can be deadly.

Officers are urged to use extreme caution and not to handle or disturb suspected samples.

Only properly trained and outfitted law enforcement professionals should handle any substance suspected to contain fentanyl or a related compound.

Symptoms of exposure include respiratory depression, drowsiness, disorientation, pinpoint pupils and clammy skin that happen within minutes of exposure.

Quick administration of naloxone can possibly save a life.

 

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