ALERT: Carfentanil in Michigan; First detection since 2021

Michigan Dept of Health & Human Services sent this bulletin at 07/12/2024 04:00 PM EDT

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ALERT: Carfentanil in Michigan; First detection since 2021

We are writing to inform you of the first carfentanil-positive drug seizure sample identified by Michigan State Police (MSP) since early 2021. In the past seven months, MSP Forensic Laboratories have detected carfentanil in four fentanyl samples. There are not yet any reports of carfentanil-involved deaths in Michigan. 

What is carfentanil?

Carfentanil is a potent opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and has been recently identified in New York and Ohio: 

https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2024/202406-07_carfentanil.htm

https://www.wyso.org/health/2023-10-04/ohio-attorney-general-lethal-opioid-carfentanil-returns-to-ohio

Per the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation the number of evidence items testing positive for carfentanil from January 1-June 30, 2024 was more than the previous 3 years combined. Carfentanil is coming in the form of powder and compressed powder in a variety of colors- white, tan, brown, blue, green, orange; Tablets- with M<>30 markings. Other controlled substances identified in poly drug mixtures include: fentanyl, other fentanyl pharmacophores (ex. para-fluorofentanyl),  heroin, cocaine, tramadol, xylazine (schedule III in Ohio), ketamine, synthetic cannabinoids, and nitazene compounds such as n-pyrrolidino etonitazene. 

 Local Action

  1. Raise awareness and promote harm reduction practices— take it slow, use less, carry naloxone, do not use alone, monitor breathing, etc. 
  2. Give rescue breaths in case of respiratory depression. "On average, when delivered nasally it takes around two to five minutes for naloxone to take effect. In someone who isn't breathing, those minutes are critical. Providing rescue breathing or CPR can help to save a life, and is the most important first step in treating an opioid overdose." https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cpr-a-neglected-but-important-part-of-fighting-the-opioid-crisis-2018072714361
  3. Distribute naloxone—Organizations can request free naloxone from MDHHS to increase capacity. Connect individuals with more ways to access naloxone: order online at nextdistro.org/Michigan and have it delivered at no cost; get it at a pharmacy (Naloxone Standing Order, no prescription required); or contact a Syringe Service Program for naloxone, fentanyl test strips, sterile needles, testing for HIV and Hepatitis C and other life-saving resources.  
  4. Explore opportunities for long-term change — The Substance Use Vulnerability Index (SUVI) on the MDHHS dashboard to start conversations around gaps and barriers that may exist in your community.  

The Opioids and Emerging Drugs Unit at MDHHS will continue monitoring rapid data sources and will share findings accordingly. Please let us know if you have any additional related information or questions.