Pima Health Officials Sound Alarm on Dangerous Carfentanil in Tucson’s Illicit Pills

Tucson police have discovered carfentanil, a synthetic opioid significantly stronger than fentanyl, within a batch of blue “M30” pills. This alarming revelation came as Pima County officials alerted local health providers about the potential dangers associated with these counterfeit drugs.

Carfentanil, originally designed for tranquilizing large animals, has now been found in fraudulent pills that closely resemble more common opioid prescriptions. This marks the first time carfentanil has surfaced in Pima County, though it has been linked to overdoses in other regions since 2016.

The counterfeit pills, identified as resembling oxycodone, pose a serious threat. According to Pima County officials, carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than morphine. The danger is compounded by the fact that many illicitly produced fentanyl pills are marketed as M30s, misleading users.

“This is the first confirmed presence of carfentanil in our local illicit drug supply,” warned Pima County health officials. “The visual similarity between these tablets and standard M30s makes it impossible to differentiate them.” This situation significantly raises the risk of overdose among unsuspecting users.

Details regarding the quantity of pills found or the circumstances surrounding their discovery remain undisclosed as officials issued the health alert. It was not communicated to the press until more recently.

For years, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has raised alarms about the influx of counterfeit prescription medications, many laced with dangerous substances like fentanyl. In 2022 alone, the DEA seized over 60 million fake pills and almost 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder.

Authorities are particularly concerned about the implications of carfentanil’s entry into the market. According to DEA officials, “The strength of this drug could lead to increased overdoses and related fatalities, even among those already tolerant to opioids.”

Pima County health experts urge caution and recommend that individuals assume any illegal substance could contain carfentanil. Medical professionals are advised to inform potential users about the presence of carfentanil in the drug supply and promote harm reduction practices. Strategies include never using drugs alone, carrying naloxone or Narcan for overdose reversal, and avoiding the simultaneous use of multiple substances.

Overdoses caused by carfentanil may necessitate multiple doses of naloxone for effective reversal, according to officials. The risks are severe, as even small amounts can be fatal and exposure can occur through skin contact or inhalation.

Additionally, carfentanil cannot be detected with standard fentanyl test strips, requiring advanced laboratory testing. Health officials caution against reliance on these test strips for identifying carfentanil in any substance.

Carfentanil’s spread has been linked to significant overdose rates, with 168 confirmed overdose deaths across 38 states in 2023, particularly affecting regions like West Virginia. Nationally, approximately 82% of overdose deaths involved opioids, with illegally manufactured fentanyl being the most prevalent.

As of 2023, Arizona has recorded 306 overdose deaths, including 150 in Maricopa County and 74 in Pima County. The state has also documented over 1,600 non-fatal opioid overdoses this year.

Amid these escalating concerns, funding for overdose prevention programs has faced significant cuts under federal budget constraints, impacting organizations like the CDC and programs distributing Narcan.