Unregulated drug 100 times stronger than fentanyl found in CNY

The New York State Department of Health has issued a Public Health Alert after discovering a dangerous mix of drugs in unregulated substances in Central New York. The substances, found in bags labeled “Super Mario,” contained fentanyl, xylazine, heroin, and carfentanil. Carfentanil is a veterinary drug that is up to 100 times stronger than fentanyl and is extremely dangerous.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the importance of drug-checking programs in identifying such substances before they are used. The samples, gathered on May 20 and confirmed on June 6, have been linked to severe wounds requiring emergency care within weeks of use.

The health department urges individuals to exercise caution when using any unregulated substances, regardless of labeling. Community drug-checking programs are crucial for harm reduction and public health, allowing for the rapid detection of dangerous drugs that would otherwise be identified only in post-mortem toxicology tests.

For more information on the Community Drug Checking Program and access to drug-checking services, visit the New York State Department of Health’s website.

Source: Rochester First