Overdose Cases In Cincinnati Linked To Carfentanil

Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil says lab tests confirm heroin seized in a recent arrest was mixed with carfentanil, a powerful elephant tranquilizer. Neil says the substance turned out to be heroin combined with carfentanil and fentanyl. Fentanyl is a strong painkiller. Authorities suspect heroin laced with other substances has been responsible for a spike in overdoses in the Cincinnati area and several other communities in recent weeks. Neil says the amount seized August 26 was relatively small but was significant because of the danger posed by carfentanil's strength. Neil says deputies also recovered cocaine and marijuana from the vehicle stopped on I- 75 in Cincinnati. Grand jury action is pending for two Cincinnati-area men.