New York in crisis: Carfentanil deaths spike, surpassing fentanyl's toll
New York is grappling with a severe drug problem. Just last year, there were over 3,000 overdose-related deaths, 89 per cent of which involved fentanyl. Now, a more dangerous drug has emerged that kills much faster.
A new, dangerous drug has appeared in the United States. It is a synthetic substance known as carfentanil. It is becoming increasingly available on the streets of New York. According to the "Interia" service, the effect of carfentanil is so potent that it could theoretically incapacitate an elephant.
This year in New York at least seven deaths have already been recorded related to the use of carfentanil, highlighting the serious threat this drug poses to the community.
The street drug market has never been deadlier than it is today. You may buy something that will kill you - said Bridget Brennan, a New York prosecutor specialising in drug crimes, in an interview with WPIX.
According to the "Interia" service, carfentanil is a narcotic substance in powder form that originates from China and enters the United States mainly through smuggling across the Mexican border. Special agents are currently engaged in intensive operations to identify the source of these dangerous supplies.
If the problem is not resolved, carfentanil could become as dangerous as fentanyl. Moreover, there is a risk that the new drug will cause an even greater increase in the number of deaths. Even a small amount of this substance is enough to cause death.
New drug in the United States
In the United States, the production of carfentanil is strictly regulated. In 2016, only 20 grams of this substance were produced, and it was used solely in a single medical preparation intended for the anaesthesia of large animals.
The prosecutor noted that carfentanil often appears in drug mixtures, which introduces additional risk. People often have no idea what they are buying because carfentanil is hidden in other substances such as cocaine, fentanyl, or heroin.
Fentanyl kills quickly but 100 times more powerful carfentanil kills much more quickly - the prosecutor stated.
According to "Interia," carfentanil is so dangerous that it poses a threat also to rescuers and police officers, who may accidentally come into contact with this substance. Contact with carfentanil can cause severe health effects such as dizziness, intense sweating, and heart failure, increasing the risk for those working in emergency services.
