The weapons-grade chemical emerging as a dangerous substitute for fentanyl

NewsWorldAmericasThe weapons-grade chemical emerging as a dangerous substitute for fentanylThe drug is used to tranquilize elephants and less than a poppy-seed-sized amount can killHallie Golden & Jim MustianSaturday 18 April 2026 13:14 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"CF1:2960220To1","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/fentanyl-substitute-carfentanil-risks-dangers-b2960308.html","title":"The weapons-grade chemical emerging as a dangerous substitute for fentanyl"}}CloseTrump signs HALT Fentanyl ActThe latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"IND_Evening_Newsletter","regTitle":"Evening Headlines","subscriptionGroup":"us_evening_headlines","subscriptionGroupId":"4326e634-422a-4447-8e1e-604a937cd3b5","type":"daily_news","pathPrefix":["/us","/news/world/americas","/news/world/americas/crime"],"title":"The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday","mobileTitle":"Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/usEveningHeadlines1_1.png","label":"I would like to receive morning headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts by email","newsletterKey":"receiveEveningHeadlinesUSNews","regSourceSection":"Americas","regSourceMethod":"NSCs"},"isClimate":false}Michael Nalewaja, a 36-year-old electrician from Alaska, had built a quiet life for...