Carfentanil

Carfentanil is an extraordinarily potent synthetic opioid, renowned for its staggering strength—approximately 10,000 times that of morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, its closely related counterpart. Developed in the 1970s primarily for use in large animals, such as elephants, carfentanil is not intended for human consumption. Despite its original purpose, this perilous substance has increasingly appeared on the streets, causing alarm.

In Australia, a significant proportion of the heroin supply has been found to be tainted with it and various fentanyl derivatives. However, its presence does not stop there. This potent opioid has also begun to infiltrate other drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, and counterfeit painkillers, contributing to the escalating opioid overdose crisis.

In its powdered state, carfentanil bears a striking resemblance to heroin or cocaine, making it nearly indistinguishable to the untrained eye. Additionally, it can be found in various forms, including pills, tablets, and on blotter papers—further complicating identification for users.

A particularly chilling use of carfentanil occurred in 2002 when Russian military forces deployed an aerosolized version to resolve a hostage situation in a Moscow theater. The resulting operation, while effective in subduing the captors, tragically led to the deaths of over 120 hostages due to the drug’s extreme toxicity.

Even minimal exposure to this drugs can be lethal—individuals may suffer from poisoning simply by inhaling the substance or absorbing it through the skin or mucous membranes.

Classified as a Schedule II substance due to its limited medical uses and high potential for abuse, carfentanil is produced in very minimal quantities for veterinary applications—in fact, only a paltry 20 grams was allowed for production in the United States in 2018. Despite stringent production controls, illicit carfentanil and related substances are infiltrating the Australian drug market, posing significant public health risks.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), much of the carfentanil currently circulating on Australian streets is traced back to clandestine laboratories operating domestically. Drug dealers in Australia also have the option to purchase this deadly substance online, further exacerbating the problem.

The effects of carfentanil are alarmingly similar to those of fentanyl. Users commonly experience side effects such as itching, dizziness, nausea, and most critically, severe respiratory depression—an often fatal consequence of overdose.

Signs of overdose are particularly concerning and can include:

– A bluish tint to the lips

– Extreme drowsiness or lethargy

– Pinpoint pupils

– Confusion or disorientation

– Labored or gurgling breathing

– Rigidity or stiffening of the body

– Seizures

– Foaming at the mouth

– Skin that feels cold and clammy

– An abnormally slow heartbeat

– Low blood pressure

– Unresponsiveness

In the event of an overdose, the administration of naloxone (also known as Narcan) is critical. This medication can often reverse the effects of an opioid overdose; however, multiple doses may be required to counteract a carfentanil overdose effectively. It is important to note that, despite treatment, some individuals may succumb to the effects of the drug.

While the abuse of fentanyl has garnered significant attention, much of the usage of carfentanil is often unintentional in Australia. Due to its lower cost compared to heroin and cocaine, many drug dealers mix it into their products to enhance potency and stretch their supplies. Unfortunately, because carfentanil is virtually impossible to detect visually, users often have no idea whether their drugs are contaminated, significantly heightening their risk of overdose.

Individuals struggling with opioid addiction are advised that seeking treatment is the most effective way to avoid the dangers associated with carfentanil and similar substances.