According to a media release from the GBI, the Crime Lab in Cleveland, Georgia has identified the new analogues as acrylfentanyl and tetrahydrofuran fentanyl. Neither of the drugs had previously been identified by the GBI. The agency says both drugs can be absorbed through the skin and are considered highly dangerous. Acryfentanyl has been on the agency’s watch list for the past few months, the GBI says the opioid reversal drug naloxone may not be effective if someone overdosed on this particular type.
Georgia lawmakers banned the drug in the state earlier this year. At this time, tetrahydrofuran is not covered under Georgia law. The GBI says the effects of both drugs are not known since they are not intended for human or veterinary use.
A rash of overdoses and deaths in Middle Georgia earlier this month, are being blamed on fake Percocet pills, consisting of synthetic opioids.
Dr. Merrill Norton is a professor in UGA’s College of Pharmacy and an expert on addiction. He says Georgia residents need to know what’s available.
The pills involved in the Middle Georgia deaths are still being tested.
“Well I just want to make sure that people understand they need to educate themselves about these opioids, and other drugs that create addiction,” according to Norton. “Anyone out there that has a concern for a person who is using opioids right now, needs to go and get a naloxone overdoes kit and have it available.”
Hazmat crews were on the scene in Atlanta this afternoon after fentanyl spilled inside a vehicle carrying fentanyl from the GBI lab. The police department parking lot in the 3200 block of Buford Highway was quarantined.
