Elephants Sedative Kills 11 People: Carfentanil Resurfaces in Michigan

Who makes this stuff? The synthetic opioid carfentanil—basically fentanyl's even deadlier cousin—is making a terrifying appearance in Michigan.

Where Has Carfentanil Been Found in Michigan?

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed that 11 people, across Ingham, Livingston, Eaton, Genesee, Oakland, and Wayne counties, have died thanks to carfentanil.

RELATED: DRUG BUST: Enough Fentanyl To Kill 200,000 Off Michigan Streets

What Is Carfentanil, and Why Is It So Deadly?

If you've never heard of carfentanil, let's break it down: it's about 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl. It was designed to sedate elephants. That's right, elephants. Yet, it's here, in Michigan, showing up in unregulated drug supplies.

The MDHHS stated in a press release that carfentanil hasn't been in Michigan, or at least visible in the state, since 2016-17, when it caused more than 100 deaths each year. It had all but disappeared until a spike of 14 fatalities in 2023. But here we are again.

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Why Public Health Experts Are Sounding the Alarm

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, is pleading with anyone who uses unregulated drugs—or loves someone who does—to carry naloxone, the opioid-reversing nasal spray. Why? Carfentanil can shut down your breathing in seconds (remember: elephant tranquilizer, not human medicine) and may require multiple doses of naloxone to reverse the effects.

What Can You Do to Stay Safe?

Overdoses in Michigan have fallen 34% from 2023 to 2024, but to say that carfentanil's return has the MDHHS nervous would be an understatement. That said, they are urging drug users never to use alone, take it slow, and always have naloxone on hand.

Carfentanil is a deadly drug, and we must stay vigilant in Michigan and around the country. If you are interested in harm reduction resources and information about naloxone, visit Michigan's Harm Reduction Programs by clicking here. To request naloxone for your home or business, click here.