(WFLA) — Officials in Broward County released a new warning this week about a powerful drug they say is responsible for dozens of deaths in the county in the last six months, NBC Miami reports.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office says Carfentanil is suspected in 53 recent deaths in the county. The drug is typically used to sedate 6,000 to 13,000 pound elephants.
Officials in both Manatee and Sarasota counties report overdoses due to Carfentanil, as well. Manatee County officials say in 2015, more than 200 deaths were caused from heroin and Fentanyl. So far this year, there have been nearly 900 reported overdoses and 60 Fentanyl-related deaths.
Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that’s 100 times deadlier than fentanyl, which itself is nearly 50 times more lethal than heroin, officials said.
Officials say users can die with just a tiny dose of Carfentanil. Experts say many drug buyers don’t realize Carfentanil is in their heroin.RELATED:
- Sarasota officials see disturbing trend of heroin laced with elephant tranquilizer
- Manatee County ranks highest in Florida for Fentanyl-related deaths