Manchester Police: Alarming Uptick In The Number Of Deaths Attributed To Carfentanil

By InDepth NH

The Manchester Police Department and the Manchester Health Department want to alert the public to a dangerous drug trend that is taking the lives of New Hampshire residents. According to data provided to us by the New Hampshire State Medical Examiner; year to date carfentanil has contributed to 10 deaths in the Granite State, 3 of which were here in Manchester. In 2024 there were a total of 7 carfentanil deaths.

On a positive note, other drug overdoses such as pure fentanyl and methamphetamine are down this year.

“We are constantly battling the presence of illegal narcotics in our city,” says Chief Peter Marr, “While we work closely with the Health Department to help individuals manage their substance use disorder, we also rigorously target the source of the problem by arresting drug dealers.”

Carfentanil is an extremely potent, synthetic opioid. It is often used as a veterinary tranquilizer and not approved for human use. The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that the drug is approximately 10,000 times stronger than morphine and more potent than fentanyl. Along with the death toll, we have learned that in recent months there has been an uptick in the number of samples taken from drug seizures that have tested positive for carfentanil.

“The City of Manchester is on track to realize historic lows in the number of suspected overdoses and fatalities; however, our work is far from done,”says Public Health Director Anna Thomas, “Every life we save is worth fighting for and we are grateful for the leadership from the Manchester Police Department to continuously make this a community priority.”

If you come in contact with this drug the DEA recommends you use extreme caution. Only properly trained and outfitted law enforcement personnel should handle any substance suspected to contain fentanyl or fentanyl-related compounds. Carfentanil and other fentanyl related substances can work very quickly, so it is important to call medical professionals immediately if you suspect exposure.

In addition, City health and public safety officials, along with community providers, urge those struggling with substance use disorder, anxiety or other mental health concerns to contact the Doorways by calling 2-1-1 or by visiting https://www.thedoorway.nh.gov/.

This article first appeared on InDepthNH.org and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.