News Summary
San Diego has declared a public health warning due to the presence of carfentanil in counterfeit pills. This potent synthetic opioid is extremely dangerous, with even a tiny amount being lethal. Authorities express concerns over its rising detection rates and the ineffectiveness of standard naloxone against overdoses. The public is urged to avoid unidentified pills as authorities work to combat this crisis linked to rising overdose fatalities. Swift recognition of overdose symptoms is crucial for saving lives.
San Diego has issued a public safety and health alert following the alarming discovery of carfentanil in counterfeit pills circulating within the region. This alert was officially announced by the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, the San Diego Overdose Response Strategy (ORS), and the San Diego/Imperial High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA).
Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is a staggering 100 times more potent than fentanyl and is typically used for tranquilizing large mammals, such as elephants. Because of its extreme potency, the San Diego District Attorney’s Office has emphasized that even a minuscule amount of carfentanil can be lethal to humans. Furthermore, it has been noted that the nasal spray Narcan (naloxone), commonly employed to revive individuals from opioid overdoses, may not be effective against carfentanil overdoses.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine, which raises significant health concerns for users of counterfeit pills. The drug can not only lead to fatal overdoses but can also be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, increasing the risk of accidental exposure for users and first responders alike.
Individuals experiencing a carfentanil overdose may exhibit several alarming signs, including stopped or slowed breathing, blue or gray skin, loss of consciousness, and unusual gurgling or rattling sounds. It is crucial to recognize these symptoms immediately, as swift medical attention is vital.
Furthermore, the DEA has issued a cautionary note that carfentanil might not be detectable with standard fentanyl test strips, meaning that a negative test result does not guarantee that a pill is safe. In recent reports, carfentanil was detected in 134 urine drug tests across 21 states between July 2023 and June 2024. This marks a significant increase from just 11 detections in six states over the previous three years, indicating a resurgence that has prompted public health warnings in states such as New York and Ohio due to its correlation with rising overdose fatalities.
The data has revealed a concerning trend linking carfentanil to higher rates of concurrent use with additional substances, including methamphetamine, xylazine, cocaine, and benzodiazepines. Experts in drug enforcement have pointed out that the unpredictable nature of carfentanil’s presence in counterfeit pills significantly heightens the danger for users.
It requires only 0.02 mg of carfentanil to potentially induce a fatal overdose in humans. In one recent case, authorities reported that they discovered approximately 86,000 potential fatal doses of carfentanil at the residence of a man arrested in connection to drug trafficking activities in San Diego. This incident underscores the immense threat posed by the illicit distribution of this substance.
Authorities have cautioned the public against consuming unidentified pills, especially those not prescribed by a legitimate pharmacy or medical care provider. The inconsistency in the potency of substances contained in illegal pills further escalates the risk of accidental overdoses. Individuals are reminded to exercise extreme caution and prioritize safety when it comes to drug use.
In light of the recent developments, ongoing federal court cases in San Diego involve charges against dealers linked to the distribution of carfentanil, as officials continue their efforts to combat this growing public health crisis.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Wikipedia: Carfentanil
- 10 News
- Google Search: Carfentanil News
- NBC San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Carfentanil
- CBS News
- Google News: Carfentanil Overdose
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
