Warning: Deadly Narcotic Being Sold in Central New York

New York Department of Health officials are sounding the alarm over a dangerous substance that's circulating in the immediate area.

The DOH said this substance in the Central New York drug market contains a powerful tranquilizer that is meant to stop an elephant dead in its tracks.

A public health alert was issued over this potentially lethal drug mixture, which has been confirmed that it's being sold in a powder-like form in bags labeled "Super Mario." Baggies containing this substance were found to be laced with fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, and carfentanil.

Carfentanil is an elephant tranquilizer that is at least 100 more potent than fentanyl, reports the Washington Post. This drug has already claimed lives nationwide and it's now in Central New York.

What makes this "Super Mario"-branded drugs more dangerous is the addition of xylazine, otherwise known by the street names "tranq" or "tranq dope," because it is a powerful sedative or tranquilizer. What makes this drug dangerous is that it doesn't contain opioids - therefore it does not react to overdose reversing treatments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention add xylazine is not approved in the country for use because it has many alarming side effects.

People who take xylazine can have difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood pressure, a slowed heart rate, and even death. Skin wounds can also become infected and worsen when xylazine is consumed.

"Illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl can be mixed with xylazine, either to enhance drug effects or increase street value by increasing their weight," the institution warned.

Read More: CNY Native Jackie Siegel Warns Local Parents about Teen Drug Use

The "Super Mario" packages circulating in Central New York have resulted in serious health issues:

Individuals using the substance reported it “knocking them out”. The sample was reportedly linked to severe wounds treated in the emergency department; with wounds reported to have developed within 2 to 3 weeks from use.

Victims said they experienced difficulty breathing, skin lesions, extremely long blackouts, and symptoms of an overdose.

Health officials are urging users to order test strips to help avoid mixtures that contain a deadly mixture of fentanyl and xylazine. You can request them HERE.

DOH officials say they were able to confirm the drug's presence in Central New York through its Community Drug Checking Program. Those who participate in it said they noticed a supply change last month and raised concerns and provided samples of the mixture to the state.

Those who are in a crisis or are looking to get clean can contact the Office of Addiction Services and Supports by calling 1-877-8-HOPENY (46-7369) or by texting 467369.

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