The Omaha Police Department’s narcotics unit said it found the highly-synthetic potent drug carfentanil in the Omaha metro area. Carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl, and OPD officials said they are concerned about fatal overdoses.
Carfentanil is legally used in veterinary settings to sedate large animals, but a press release stated it's now appearing in the drug market in blue pills, liquids and powders.
Carfentanil and other synthetic drugs have emerged in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70% of overdose deaths in 2023 involved manufactured fentanyls.
In the press release, the Omaha Police Department said the public should be aware of the extreme overdose risk of carfentanil because symptoms can occur rapidly and are more difficult to reverse. Officials also recommend multiple doses of Narcan, or naloxone, to counteract the effects.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity involving fentanyl-related substances to Omaha police.