SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office has raised concerns over the detection of carfentanil in counterfeit pills circulating within the county.
Carfentanil, which is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, is typically used as a tranquilizer for large animals such as elephants.
District Attorney Summer Stephan noted that as drug trafficking has become more challenging, cartels are adapting by introducing more powerful substances.
She explained that carfentanil can be transported in even smaller quantities than fentanyl due to its extreme potency.
Furthermore, she highlighted that carfentanil does not respond to traditional Narcan, making it an even more treacherous drug.
Most individuals only possess a limited supply of Narcan, which may not be sufficient in a carfentanil overdose situation, according to DA Stephan.
To bring awareness to this escalating issue, Stephan spoke with CBS 8 at an event held at Waterfront Park. This event was organized in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, which takes place at the end of August.
Despite a recent decline in drug overdose deaths, the numbers remain alarming. In 2024 alone, San Diego County reported 945 overdose fatalities, as noted in the annual report by the San Diego County Substance Use and Overdose Prevention Taskforce.
At the event, purple flags were displayed at Waterfront Park, each representing a victim of overdose.
Among those remembering lost loved ones was Denise Barnes, who shared the story of her son, Cameron, who passed away at the young age of 23.
Describing Cameron as an exceptional athlete, smart and humorous, she recalled how he had always been taught the difference between right and wrong.
In February 2024, Cameron took a Xanax pill from a new acquaintance, unaware it was laced with fentanyl.
His mother received a devastating phone call on February 8 from the morgue, informing her of her son’s tragic death.
“I didn’t recognize the number,” Barnes recounted tearfully. “That moment has shattered our lives completely.”
Her message to the audience focused on the importance of having Narcan and the need to call for help in emergencies. On the day of Cameron’s overdose, a friend administered Narcan but failed to contact emergency services, a decision Barnes believes ultimately cost her son’s life.
“I can’t stop the drugs from entering our communities, but I can urge everyone to call 911 in case of an overdose,” she emphasized.
She passionately implored parents to stay informed about their children’s friendships, stating, “It’s crucial to know who your kids are spending time with.”
Denise Barnes concluded by expressing the ongoing anguish that comes with losing a child, emphasizing the unbearable pain parents endure each day after such a loss.
image source from：cbs8
