Two laboratory tests, carried out on the adulterated cocaine that last week caused 24 deaths and more than 80 poisonings in Argentina, showed that the drug contained carfentanil, a derivative of fentanyl that is 10,000 times more powerful than this and heroin, reported this Thursday the Attorney of the province of Buenos Aires.
“We have received the results of two independent expert studies, which have reached the conclusion that the substance used to stretch the cocaine hydrochloride found in various samples seized in the context of these actions is carfentanil, an extremely strong opioid whose effects are 10,000 times stronger, or more, than heroin or fentanyl,” the Attorney General detailed in a statement quoted by Télam.
These first analyzes were carried out by the laboratory of the Scientific Police of the Province of Buenos Aires and by the Buenos Aires Attorney General, studies “of great complexity, all of which acted with great professionalism and haste,” said the judicial body.
What is carfentyl?
Carfentanil is a derivative of fentanyl. It is a substance of totally controlled and exclusively veterinary use, and that is supplied to large and heavy animals, such as elephants or rhinoceroses, according to scientific reports.
It is used as a powerful analgesic and sedative, but in humans it is “highly toxic,” Fernando Cardini, a forensic chemical toxicologist who participated in one of the studies, explained to Télam.
In turn, the inappropriate use of this substance in humans can cause severe respiratory depression to hallucinations and even death.
“This is made synthetically and is cheaper than natural opioids like heroin and morphine, so it’s now partly used illegally as a cutting substance (to bulk up the drug),” Cardini said, so it is “very risky” to dose it for people since “the dose makes the poison.”
The case, unprecedented in the country and which is being investigated by the Justice, was recorded during the early hours of February 2, when dozens of people began to arrive at various hospitals in the province of Buenos Aires with the same symptoms: difficulty breathing , convulsions, contraction of pupils, nervous alterations and psychomotor excitement.
