Police confirm four suspected deaths in March; urge public caution over synthetic opioid 100 times stronger than fentanyl.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Authorities in western Colorado are sounding the alarm over the rise of carfentanil, an ultra-potent synthetic opioid typically used to sedate large animals — now finding its way into the local drug supply.

The Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD), alongside the Western Colorado Drug Task Force, confirmed this week that carfentanil is being detected in street drugs across the Grand Valley. The consequences are already deadly. Four suspected overdose deaths in March 2025 alone may be tied to this lethal substance, often mixed unknowingly with fentanyl.

“This isn’t something designed for humans. It’s for elephants,” said Officer Chad Simpson of GJPD. “But it’s here now — and people don’t even know they’re taking it.”

Carfentanil: A Chemical with No Margin for Error

A derivative of fentanyl, carfentanil is approximately 100 times stronger — meaning a dose as small as a few grains of salt can kill. Originally developed as a tranquilizer for large animals, the drug has no approved medical use in humans and is considered a chemical weapon threat by security agencies.

According to law enforcement officials, the compound is now showing up in blue M-30 counterfeit pills, often sold on the street as “fentanyl.” The presence of carfentanil, however, raises the stakes dramatically.

“These pills are small, round, and blue — but they’re anything but benign,” said Simpson. “Some are testing positive for carfentanil, and people have no idea.”

First Responders at Risk

The dangers of carfentanil aren’t limited to users. First responders are also vulnerable, particularly to airborne powder forms, which can be lethal if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Simpson described scenarios where simply handling a contaminated substance without proper protective gear could result in hospitalization or death.

“The powder can be airborne. One breath, one mistake — it can be fatal,” he warned. “That’s why we’ve reinforced glove use, face shields, and hazard protocols across the department.”

The Trafficker’s Dream — and the Public’s Nightmare

From a distribution standpoint, carfentanil’s potency makes it attractive to traffickers. A small quantity can supply an entire region — and it’s far easier to conceal during transport.

Law enforcement experts say this is why it’s rapidly gaining traction among cartels and street-level dealers alike.

“Carfentanil gives traffickers more product in smaller packages,” said one member of the Drug Task Force, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation. “But it comes at a deadly cost to our communities.”

Four Deaths in March, with More Suspected

March was a particularly grim month. The Western Colorado Drug Task Force confirmed four deaths that toxicology reports have linked to a combination of fentanyl and carfentanil.

“Each case is a reminder: You do not know what you’re taking,” said Simpson. “And these drugs do not discriminate. We’ve seen overdoses in every demographic — young, old, wealthy, poor.”

Public Awareness Campaigns and Partnerships

In response to the crisis, GJPD is partnering with Facing Fentanyl, a national advocacy organization focused on raising awareness of the opioid epidemic.

Community outreach efforts now include:

• School presentations on opioid dangers

• Narcan training for families and community centers

• Distribution of drug testing kits for harm reduction

• Social media campaigns targeting younger populations

“We have to fight this on every front — education, prevention, and enforcement,” said Simpson. “We don’t have the luxury of waiting.”

A Grim Reality, But Not Hopeless

Despite the staggering danger of carfentanil, local officials say early warnings, strong partnerships, and public awareness can make a difference.

The Drug Task Force says it is actively targeting trafficking routes and working to disrupt supply chains across the valley. So far in 2025, several high-level seizures have included fentanyl-laced pills suspected to contain carfentanil.

Still, the battle is far from over.

“This is a war, and it’s in our backyard now,” Simpson said. “But we’re not giving up on this community.”