Kansas City, MO — The Johnson County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning about a dangerous new form of fentanyl circulating in the Kansas City area—purple fentanyl. This variant is being described as potentially resistant to Narcan, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
What Is Purple Fentanyl?
According to a safety alert posted on Facebook by the sheriff’s office, detectives seized purple powder last month that contained fentanyl, possibly mixed with lidocaine. The powder was reportedly originating from the Kansas City area.
“We have not seen one come back mixed with lidocaine here in Kansas City, according to our lab results,” said Capt. Shawn MaGee with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.
He went on to explain that the purple color likely serves as a branding technique rather than indicating a specific chemical composition: “The color itself doesn’t mean it has lidocaine, it could be white, it could be all different colors.”
The Risks of Lidocaine and Fentanyl Mixtures
Lidocaine is an anesthetic typically used for pain relief. When mixed with fentanyl, it has the potential to amplify the opioid’s side effects, creating an even more dangerous substance.
The sheriff’s office clarified that Narcan, typically used to reverse fentanyl overdoses, will not work on lidocaine, as it is not an opioid.
“Narcan will not reverse its side effects,” Capt. MaGee explained. “In Kansas City, Kansas, we haven’t seen any Narcan-resistant elements, but they could be taking other narcotics or the fentanyl might be mixed with something else.”
Carfentanil May Be Involved
Authorities also noted that they have encountered carfentanil, a highly potent fentanyl variant that has been dyed purple.
“Carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, making it extremely dangerous,” said KCPD’s Drug Enforcement Unit. “We believe it’s illegally sourced from the western U.S. and have found some in the Kansas City area.”
A Growing Threat in the Community
With purple fentanyl and carfentanil entering the market, the drug trade in Kansas City has become increasingly concerning. Capt. MaGee urged the public to exercise caution, emphasizing the dangers of consuming unregulated drugs.
“You’re not getting this from a trusted doctor,” MaGee said. “It’s being cut with anything they can find, and the people selling it don’t care about your safety.”
What You Should Know
- Narcan is ineffective against lidocaine mixed with fentanyl.
- Carfentanil, a fentanyl variant, is 10,000 times stronger than morphine.
- The purple color is a branding tactic, not an indicator of safety.
- Authorities urge the public to only take prescription medications from trusted sources.
Authorities continue to investigate this growing trend of highly potent fentanyl mixtures in the Kansas City area.
“The side effects of these mixtures could intensify the risks, making these substances even more dangerous than usual,” the sheriff’s office added.
What’s your take on this warning? Let us know in the comments.
