MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Hennepin County medical examiner has attributed five
additional overdose deaths to the powerful opioid carfentanil.

The opioid is relatively new to Minnesota and is 10,000 times more potent than
morphine and 100 stronger than fentanyl. The drug is used as a tranquilizer for
elephants or other large animals.

Because routine drug and alcohol screenings don't detect the drug, samples have
to be sent to a specialized lab. Hennepin County Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew
Baker says his office continues to order the special tests on a case-by-case
basis after considering the autopsy findings, investigative and lab results.

The drug comes in several forms, including powder, and can be absorbed through
the skin or accidentally inhaled. That poses a problem for first responders and
law enforcement officers who could be exposed to the dangerous drug.

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