Latest news with #Carfentanil
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
A Glock, a fanny pack, fentanyl and meth. Savannah man facing life in prison for possession
A young felon from Georgia could soon spend the rest of his life in prison. Malik Javier McKenzie, 27, of Savannah, was convicted after a two-day trial in U.S. District Court for drug and weapons charges. Here's what we know: According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, McKenzie was the driver of a vehicle recklessly avoiding police after an attempted traffic stop. After crashing, he fled on foot which resulted in a struggle. A search revealed a Glock handgun in McKenzie's pocket plus a fanny pack containing distributable quantities of Cocaine, Fentanyl, Carfentanil, and Methamphetamine. Testing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives revealed that the gun had a conversion device commonly known as a "Glock switch" which illegally allowed the gun to shoot multiple rounds with one trigger pull I.e. turning it into a machine gun. McKenzie was prohibited from possessing any firearm because of previous convictions in both the U.S. District Court and the Superior Court for the Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia. McKenzie was charged with possession of controlled substances With intent to distribute, possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. McKenzie's charges subject him to a statutory minimum penalty of 30 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, followed by a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah man guilty of machine gun, drug charges. Glock, Fentanyl, cocaine
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
GJPD issues warning on new deadly drug
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — In March alone, Mesa County saw four deaths suspected to be from fentanyl. Now, the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) is warning residents of a new drug on the streets that could be deadly, Related to fentanyl, carfentanil is now on the streets of Grand Junction. 'Carfentanilis approximately 100 times stronger than fentanyl,' says patrol officer for GJPD Chad Simpson. Fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to help those with severe pain. Carfentanil is not approved for human consumption and was originally developed as a tranquilizer for large animals like elephants. Simpson recently finished working with the GJPD Drug Task Force. Simpson states the drug is becoming more common due to several reasons, one of which is how easy it is to smuggle. 'One of the main reasons is because it takes such a small amount of the drug to be a usable dose.' WesternSlopeNow asked Simpson where the drug was coming from and how it made its way into the Grand Valley. Simpson said that as recently as 2023, a drug trafficking organization was investigated that had direct ties to the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. Simpson says none of this work would be possible without community input. 'There is a number of techniques used to investigate drug traffickers. The main one being our relationship with the community. Often times, the community is very open with us in providing us tips and reliable information of their knowledge (in) reference to drug traffickers in the area.' An organization bringing awareness to these drugs is Facing Fentanyl, a trademarked subsidiary of Voices for Awareness foundation based here in Grand Junction. WesternSlopeNow will have more on the organization's efforts later this week. GJPD wants to remind residents that if they see something, say something. If you know about somebody engaged in trafficking drugs, contact the GJPD at 970-549-5000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Malaysian Reserve
23-04-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
New Forensic Tool Detects 7 Drugs in Under 5 Minutes
'The opioid crisis demands innovative solutions, and that's precisely what inspired us to create PowderTracer™.' SAN DIEGO, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Biolabs International LLC proudly introduces PowderTracer™, a groundbreaking, rapid surface test, and its companion app, designed to swiftly detect seven dangerous drugs. This innovative tool is poised to revolutionize forensic drug detection in the field, providing accurate results in under five minutes. PowderTracer™ addresses the urgent need for rapid, reliable drug identification, particularly in the face of the escalating opioid crisis and the increasingly sophisticated methods used by drug traffickers. PowderTracer™ is specifically designed for use by various agencies, including border patrol and customs, law enforcement and forensics teams, TSA and Homeland Security personnel, correctional facilities, and emergency medical response teams. Its portability and ease of use make it an invaluable asset in diverse settings, from busy border crossings to crowded urban environments. The system's rapid testing capabilities allow for immediate responses to potential threats, enhancing public safety and helping to combat the spread of dangerous drugs. Protect your community and order PowderTracer™ today. Visit to learn more. 'The opioid crisis demands innovative solutions, and that's precisely what PowderTracer™ delivers. By providing rapid, reliable identification of dangerous substances, we're empowering those on the front lines to make informed decisions, potentially saving lives and disrupting drug trafficking networks.' said Gino Ajodani. 'This technology will be a lifeline for law enforcement and first responders, helping them keep our communities safer.' PowderTracer™ detects seven dangerous drugs: Fentanyl (FYL) Carfentanil (CFYL) Cocaine (COC) Methamphetamine (MET) Xylazine (XYL) THC K2 (synthetic marijuana) These substances pose significant threats to public safety and health. For example, carfentanil, a drug originally used to tranquilize elephants, is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, with just 2mg capable of killing 50 people. The CDC reports a dramatic increase in carfentanil-related deaths, rising from 29 in early 2023 to 238 by mid-2024, affecting 37 U.S. states. PowderTracer™ empowers law enforcement and first responders to quickly identify these deadly substances, enabling immediate action and potentially saving lives. The intuitive PowderTracer™ App further enhances the system's capabilities. Field agents simply scan the test's QR code, follow the app's guided instructions, and generate a forensically valid digital report in minutes. The AI-powered reader eliminates subjective interpretation, ensuring precise, automated results and eliminating the risk of misreading faint lines. This feature is crucial for maintaining the integrity of evidence and ensuring compliance with legal standards. The app also offers valuable features like location-based drug trend tracking, providing valuable data for law enforcement and public health officials. Visit to learn more about PowderTracer™ and how to order this life-saving technology for your agency. Secure your community and safeguard lives with the power of rapid, accurate drug detection. Act now to protect your community. Media Contact:Biolabs International LLCinfo@ About Biolabs International LLCAs a self-funded company with bold plans for growth, Biolabs International LLC is driven by innovation, integrity, and a passion for making healthcare smarter, faster, and more accessible for everyone.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hawaii fentanyl deaths quadrupled in 4 years, experts warn of more potent version
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Fentanyl is considered one of the most dangerous and deadly drugs in the world. Mufi Hannemann resigns as Hawaii Tourism Authority Chair amid audit questions One island said it's seeing a decrease in overdoses while another is seeing a slight uptick. Experts said in the last four years Fentanyl use has exploded in Hawaii. 'It was so bad about two years ago that we're seeing five overdoses a day sometimes or more,' said Dr. James Ireland, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services Director. 'Not just in Chinatown, but throughout Oahu neighborhoods, hotel rooms, illegal game rooms,' he added. In 2023, two people died and three others were hospitalized after a suspected unintentional overdose at a Waikiki hotel. 'What they thought was cocaine, turned out to be fentanyl,' said Gary Yabuta, executive director at Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. 'It's the perfect example, an unfortunate example, of how things can go wrong if you're taking any substance you don't know about,' he added. Hawaii island police said it's seen an uptick in fentanyl-related cases since the realignment of its vice narcotics division several months ago. The vice division captain said the division allows them to move on cases and make decisions faster.''Sixty- percent of the state's fentanyl from about November 2021, through early 2024 was recovered in west Hawaii island,' said Capt. Edwin Buyten, Hawaii Island Police vice division. He said fentanyl is being laced with heroin, oxycontin, cocaine and marijuana. 'It's very dangerous, when you do that you're playing with fire,' he added. A few years ago, a teenager on Hawaii Island died from a fentanyl overdose after consuming a different drug. Since 2020, fentanyl related deaths in the state have quadrupled. In 2020, the state had 26 deaths; in 2021 there were 48 fentanyl-related deaths; in 2022 there were 79 and in 2023 there were 107. Yabuta said Maui had the most deaths in 2023. Honolulu EMS said high profile cases like the Waikiki overdose, on top of accessibility of Narcan have helped bring numbers down. 'Today we're seeing maybe one overdose a day or maybe one every couple of days,' Dr. Ireland said. But a more powerful form of fentanyl has reached Hawaii's shores. Experts warn it's 100 times stronger and claimed one life in 2024. 'You've seen 20 pounds of Carfentanil seized by our law enforcement here in Hawaii, that's enough to kill every citizen or resident in the City and County of of Honolulu, that's how powerful it is,' Yabuta explained. He said social media education and accessibility to drug rehab facilities is needed to help combat the problem. 'If your family or friends are struggling with this, get help, there's lots of different resources in the community because people can beat this. They can get off, they can get back to kind of a normal life because there is still a risk of overdose with any narcotic or mistaken identity,' explained Dr. Ireland. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Yabuta said it's imperative that all law enforcement teams work together. 'We have to target drug traffickers, we have to arrest them, we have to prosecute them, and incarcerate them so we can stop them from selling their poison that's killing our children and people.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
17-03-2025
- CBS News
Colorado drug bust includes elephant sedative
Three people recently arrested for carrying drugs in western Colorado had among their stash an opioid said to be 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. A Delta County Sheriff's Office deputy pulled over a vehicle on March 3 that was swerving over the lane stripes on Highway 50 west of Delta. Another Delta deputy invited his K9 "Teg" to sniff the vehicle. The dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. The deputies removed the three people from the car and searched it, finding approximately 1500 fentanyl pills, 50 grams of fentanyl powder, 12 grams of ecstacy pills, 454 grams of methamphetamine, and 21 grams of Carfentanil. A 2016 Drug Enforcement Agency alert that was distributed by the U.S. Department of Justice described the drug as a synthetic opioid, like fentanyl, that is most commonly used as a tranquilizer for elephants and other large mammals. The alert was sent as a warning to law enforcement personnel and first responders. "Carfentanil is surfacing in more and more communities." stated DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg in a press release. "We see it on the streets, often disguised as heroin. It is crazy dangerous." Naxolone, the same emergency overdose treatment for fentanyl, was recommended as immediate treatment for any exposure to Carfentanil. Research about Carfentanil is scant, however, and the lethal dosage of Carfentanil to humans is not known. The load of narcotics was within arms reach of all three people in the vehicle, as described in a Delta County Sheriff's Office press release . The deputies arrested 27-year-old Nakisha Ramirez, 23-year-old Junior Rosales-Blanco, and 44-year-old Manuel Sepulveda. Ramirez and Rosales-Blanco are from Montrose. Sepulveda lives in Delta. All were charged with various counts of felony drug possession and intent to distribute drugs. Rosales-Blanco, the driver, was given a $60,000 cash-only bond. Sepulveda received an $80,000 bond. He has one other active felony case in Delta County for criminal mischief. However, online criminal records indicate he pleaded guilty in a 1998 Grand Junction homicide to 2nd Degree Murder and Att'd Murder, and received 35-year and 15-year prison sentences. Ramirez, meanwhile, was handed a $100,000 bond. She faces several more felony charges than the men. She also has more recent criminal. In 2020, she had six felony cases in Delta and Montrose County. She was sentenced to the Colorado Department of Corrections in two of them, including a 10-year sentence for drugs that was handed down in 2021. CBS Colorado is awaiting information from the DOC regarding the amount of this sentence which Ramirez served.
