Montana Department of Justice warns of increased presence of carfentanil in Billings

BILLINGS – The Montana Department of Justice (MTDOJ) and Billings Police Department (BPD) are warning citizens of an increased presence of the synthetic opioid carfentanil in Billings.

The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area recently seized a large amount of dangerous drugs trafficked into Montana from out of state and that originated from the Mexican drug cartels. The State Crime Lab tested the drugs and found that a 4,900 pill seizure tested positive for carfentanil. Seizures involving carfentanil typically result in one or two seized pills. The carfentanil was in the form of blue M30 pills and powder.  Additionally, a 5,000 pill seizure tested positive for fentanyl.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid, used to tranquilize elephants, and is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. These substances can come in several forms, including powder, blotter paper, tablets, patch, and spray. Some forms can be absorbed through the skin or accidentally inhaled.

“We are urging Montanans to be on alert following this large drug seizure. These drugs are extremely dangerous: one pill can kill. Never take a pill that was not prescribed by your doctor,” Attorney General Austin Knudsen said. “I’m grateful for law enforcement’s commitment to keeping drugs off the streets. They are saving countless lives.”

Do not use any pill or prescription drug you have not been prescribed.  If you find pills or substances that you are unsure of do not touch them without the appropriate personal protective equipment. If you believe you have ingested this drug or are suffering from an overdose, contact 9-1-1 immediately.

Some signs that may indicate an overdose:

Small constricted “pinpoint pupils”
Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
Slow, shallow breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Pale, blue, or cold skin
Please be aware of the risks, and share this information to prevent an overdose:

It is important to have naloxone available. Visit https://dphhs.mt.gov/amdd/naloxone/
Do not use alone and avoid taking pills from the street, online, or that have not been prescribed to you by a doctor
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 right away. The Good Samaritan Law protects you and the person overdosing from drug possession charges.
Community Resources:

Community Crisis Center (406) 259-8800
Rimrock Foundation (406) 248-3175
Warmline | Mental Health America of Montana– Call 1-877-688-3377
Montana Crisis Recovery line – Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana– Call 1-877-503-0833
https://stopoverdose.org/