MANCHESTER, N.H. —

Manchester police are warning the public about what they call an "alarming uptick" in carfentanil-related deaths.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. The drug is meant to be used as animal tranquilizer.

"It is not meant for humans, so it's typically used on elephants, lions, giraffes, things of that nature," said Christopher Stawasz with American Medical Response.

According to the state medical examiner, carfentanil has contributed to 10 deaths in New Hampshire so far this year, including three in Manchester. That's up from seven deaths statewide in 2024.

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