Latest in Opioid Trend "Gray Death" Invades Indiana

 State medical personnel and responders are sounding the alarm on a continuing drug trend that could overdose, or potentially kill, Hoosiers and responders with minimal contact. Gray Death, a particularly dangerous mixture of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and other synthetic opioids, made its way to Indiana this week, causing an overdose in central Indiana. A persistent increase in opioid overdoses tied to the synthetic drug carfentanil have been seen around the country, prompting concern. Carfentanil is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals, is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. It’s often mixed in with other drugs such as cocaine or crystal meth — and often drug users have no idea their drugs have been tainted. These substances can come in several forms, including powder, blotter paper, tablets, and spray. The substance can be absorbed through the skin or accidental inhalation of airborne powder.