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Health officials in Riverside County have confirmed the county's first death linked to carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times stronger than morphine. The victim, a man in his 40s, died in March 2025 outside Riverside County, and the cause of death was confirmed after a months-long investigation by Riverside University Health System (RUHS).
Carfentanil, originally developed as a tranquilizer for large animals like elephants, is so potent that even trace amounts can be lethal. Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky, Riverside County's public health officer, emphasized the importance of community awareness and harm reduction, stating, "Every life lost from opioids is one too many."
Despite the rise in overdose deaths involving carfentanil, Riverside County saw a 25% decline in opioid-related deaths in 2024. This progress is attributed to increased public awareness, widespread distribution of naloxone (Narcan), and collaborative harm reduction strategies.
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to prosecuting fentanyl-related homicide cases, having secured a guilty verdict in the state's first fentanyl-related homicide jury trial in 2023.
Public health officials encourage residents to carry naloxone, available without a prescription at many pharmacies and local public health offices, and to use services like Never Use Alone, a national overdose response program.
For more information on overdose prevention and harm reduction resources, visit the RUHS website.