Harford County police confirm one of its 34 fatal heroin overdoses from 2017 involved the powerful synthetic opioid carfentanil.
In a statement on Facebook the sheriff’s office noted, “When the deadly synthetic began appearing in our surrounding communities, we knew it wouldn't be long before it made its way into Harford County.”
The DEA says the synthetic opioid is 10,000 time more potent than morpine, 100 times more potent than fentanyl and is often used as a tranquilizer for elephants and other large animals. A single grain is enough to kill an adult, according to Harford County police.
Police are urging citizens to educate themselves about the dangers of carfentanil and to reach out for help if suffering from addiction.
