Fentanyl, Animal Tranquilizers Remain Threats as Overdoses Dip More than 25%

Fentanyl, animal tranquilizers remain threats as overdoses dip more than 25%

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — While potential declines in fatal drug overdoses on Staten Island and nationwide signal hope, experts are warning that the statistics don’t tell the whole story.

DEA reports that drug traffickers are using veterinary tranquilizers and other synthetic opioids to mix them with fentanyl.

Authorities in Tucson have confirmed the seizure of a batch of pills containing carfentanil, an extremely potent substance that is up to 100 times stronger than fentanyl. This substance, used as a sedative in large animals, was found in pills that mimic the appearance of the well-known M30 pills. According to the Tucson, Arizona Drug Enforcement Agency, the seized pills could not be distinguished from authentic M30 pills by the naked eye, increa…