The Sangamon County Coroner’s office has recently confirmed carfentanil in two toxicology reports from overdose cases in the county. According to information from the Forensic division of NMS Labs, Carfentanil is a drug used to immobilize large animals, and is not approved for human use. It is estimated to be approximately 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. In mid-2016 carfentanil appeared in the illicit drug market, usually mixed with heroin, fentanyl or another opioid compound. Its effects include analgesia and central nervous system depression.

There have been reports of numerous fatalities across the US from this drug, and the lifesaving administration of Narcan to a person overdosing on an opiate will most likely be ineffective if Carfentanil is present in their system. The Sangamon County Coroner’s office has had approximately 18 deaths this year due to opiate overdoses. They are constantly aware and concerned with both illicit and prescription opiate use.