Within the past week, the GBI Crime Lab’s drug identification unit received three cases from separate seizures of the synthetic drug Carfentanil, which is commonly used as a tranquilizer on large animals such as elephants. Carfentanil is purported to be 100 times stronger than fentanyl and is suspected of playing a role in hundreds of overdoses in the midwestern part of the country this past month. It can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin and is very toxic in small quantities.
The cases received at the GBI lab were from the metro Atlanta area and were all initially suspected to be heroin. Lab scientists have enhanced their safety protocols to protect them from the potential dangers of the drug. Some of these changes include wearing a face mask as well as testing any case suspected to contain heroin under a ventilated hood.
Officials stated safety for state law enforcement officers is a grave concern, and all officers are strongly encouraged to take extreme caution when handling any suspected opioid.
Carfentanil is not intended for human use, and the opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan may be effective but only after multiple doses, authorities said.