JOHNSON COUNTY, Missouri —Law enforcement authorities in Johnson County, Missouri are working to make the public aware of a new drug threat. A Narcan-resistant substance known as "purple fentanyl."
According to a social media report from the sheriff, The Johnson County Crime Resolution Team (CRT) detectives recently seized purple powder containing fentanyl, possibly mixed with lidocaine, originating from the Kansas City area.
"Many families have been affected by fentanyl, and countless individuals are currently struggling with addiction. This reality adds urgency to our efforts to help those in need of recovery support. It is crucial to reach out and offer assistance to those affected."
Unlike traditional opioids such as fentanyl, this purple version may include lidocaine, a local anesthetic that blocks nerve signals but does not respond to Narcan. Narcan, which reverses the effects of opioids, is ineffective against this substance.
The purple color is likely a marketing ploy to attract more users. It's important to note that this color does not indicate the presence of a specific chemical but rather serves to appeal to potential users.
This mixture could intensify the side effects of the drugs, making it even more dangerous. There may also be other variants with different substances, including xylazine, which pose further risks as they are also Narcan-resistant.