Confirmation that a man died after consuming the super toxic drug carfentanil prompted Riverside County health officials Thursday to remind residents to take precautions before consuming any kind of opioid.
“Every life lost from opioids is one too many,” Public Health Officer Jennifer Chevinsky said. “Together, we can continue to raise awareness about the risks associated with drug use and work as a community to support safety, reduce harm and care for one another.”
The victim, identified only as a resident in his 40s, died from the drug overdose in March, but extended delays conducting toxicology tests prevented completion of the autopsy until recently, when pathologists verified that carfentanil was the cause, according to the Riverside University Health System.
“Carfentanil was developed for use as a tranquilizer in large animals, such as elephants, and due to its potency, even a minuscule amount can cause a fatal overdose,” according to an agency statement.
In 2023, the District Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted a Perris man for possession with intent to sell more than 20 kilograms of carfentanil.
“Carfentanil is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine,” the D.A.’s office said at the time. “A lethal dose of carfentanil in humans would be at the nanogram level — much smaller than the two milligrams of fentanyl that can kill. If mixed in with other drugs, the 21 kilos of carfentanil (possessed by the defendant) could have been enough to potentially kill more than 50 million people.”
Compared to fentanyl, carfentanil fatalities are rare throughout the United States. However, the numbers have been creeping up, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. In 2023, there were 29 deaths, compared to 238 in 2024, officials said.
“While overall, we are seeing a decrease in opioid overdose deaths in Riverside County, this is a reminder that there are things each of us can do to prevent these terrible outcomes,” Chevinsky said.
Naloxone and Narcan can be effective in combating overdoses.
The U.S. National Overdose Response service can be reached at 800-484-3731, while anyone seeking help with substance abuse and addiction was encouraged to call 800-662-4357 for local options.
Additional information is available at www.ruhealth.org/ruhs-public-health.