2nd Overdose Death From Elephant Tranquilizer In Beaver County
BEAVER FALLS (KDKA) -- Authorities now say two people have been killed after overdosing on Carfentanil, a drug meant to be used as an elephant tranquilizer.
The Beaver County coroner says the latest death occurred in mid-December in the New Brighton area and was confirmed to be related to Carfentanil on Saturday.
Carfentanil is 10,000 times stronger than morphine, and 100 times more potent than Fentanyl.
It's so powerful, a dose as small as a grain of sand could end your life.
"It comes in a powder form, something as small as a grain of sand, if it's ingested into your respiratory system could knock you out," Beaver County Coroner David Gabauer said.
The drug is added into batches of heroin allowing dealers to boost profits.
Gabauer says he's not sure that users know the drugs they're buying are laced.
"I'm not sure that local dealers know exactly what is in what they're selling, but my understanding is individuals are chasing an extreme high," Gabauer said.
Just days ago, the Beaver County coroner confirmed the first overdose death from Carfentanil.
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State Police are handling the investigation.
Police and EMS who respond to overdose calls are being told to wear masks and gloves to protect themselves.
