AG issues warning for reemergence of lethal synthetic opioid in Ohio

COLUMBUS — Ohioans are being warned of a lethal synthetic opioid that has reemerged, foreshadowing a rise in overdoses.

The drug Carfentanil has reemerged in several drug cases in the state, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

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“Carfentanil is used by veterinarians to tranquilize elephants – this is an extremely powerful opioid that can have devastating effects,” Yost said. “For an opioid that potent, even a handful of cases is enough to trigger alarms.”

Since August, at least five cases involving Carfentanil have been reported in the state. Prior to that, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation had confirmed only two cases of the drug this year and five cases last year. According to Yost, investigators have found Carfentanil in drug cases in Trumbull County, Franklin County, and Columbus.

Kevin Gregg of West Carrollton told News Center 7′s Brandon Lewis he struggled with drugs his whole life, even ending up in jail because of it.

“I used to sell drugs, so I’ve done a lot of damage and I feel like I have to start repairing that and fixing some of the damage I did and to get the word out how dangerous this stuff can be,” Gregg said.

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Carfentanil is about 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. It often takes the form of a white, brown, tan, or beige powdery substance.

“I’ve lost friends and family members to fentanyl and Carfentanil overdoses, multiple friends,” Gregg said.

A spokesperson for Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County said they are not aware of any recent cases involving Carfentanil, but stressed the dangers of it.

“It’s something that’s 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Fentanyl is already extremely potent and deadly. So when you’re talking about something 100 times more than that, that is something that’s extremely concerning,” Dan Suffoletto, Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County public information manager said.

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Health departments in Greene and Miami County also said the same.

A spokesperson for Clark County Combined Health District said it showed up in the drug supply last year.

Gregg has been living in a sober living facility since June and has been getting help from friends to stay sober, especially after the birth of his grandson.

“The biggest drive for me is my grandbaby. I just had a grandbaby two months ago. So I don’t want him to see that life I had before. I don’t want him to see that Kevin. I want him to see this new one,” Gregg said.

Anyone who believes they have been exposed to the drug should seek immediate medical attention and contact law enforcement.

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