LPD Issues Warning About Carfentanil Dangers | April 2025

Published on April 11, 2025

The Lincoln Police Department (LPD) Narcotics Unit is alerting the community to the presence of carfentanil in eastern Nebraska and the potential for it to reach Lincoln. While the drug has not yet been detected locally, LPD is actively monitoring the situation. Carfentanil is a highly potent synthetic opioid – about 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. 

In Omaha, the Omaha Police Department has detected carfentanil in the form of M-30 blue pills, but it may also be in liquid or powder form. Carfentanil is legally used as a tranquilizing agent for large mammals and only two milligrams can be lethal to humans, which means even minimal exposure can lead to fatal overdoses.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, “carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues present a serious risk to public safety, first responder, medical, treatment, and laboratory personnel.”

The public should exercise extreme caution and take the following action if exposed:

• Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention. Call 911 right away. 
• Administer naloxone. The opioid overdose antidote can be used to reverse the effects of carfentanil. Multiple (6-8) doses may be required. Administer a dose every 2-3 minutes to counter the effects.
• Monitor onset of symptoms. Stay with the person. Symptoms usually occur within minutes and include “respiratory depression or arrest, drowsiness, disorientation, sedation, pinpoint pupils and clammy skin.”

LPD encourages the public to obtain free naloxone nasal spray at participating pharmacies without a prescription through Stop Overdose Nebraska. 

The Lincoln Police Department is committed to protecting our city and proactively informing the community about the dangers of this substance to help prevent tragedy.

To report suspicious activity, contact the Lincoln Police Department at 402-441-6000. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600, report it online at lincolncrimestoppers.com or download the free P3 app.