The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said it had discovered plans by some drug cartels to introduce fentanyl into the Nigerian market.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid anaesthesia that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.
The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday.
He noted that the illicit drug is also 100 times stronger than tramadol.
He said the drug, with misleading labels, can come in the form of candies and eye drops.
“We are not unaware of desperate efforts by some drug cartels to introduce to the Nigerian market, fentanyl, which according to the CDC, is 80 times as potent as morphine and 100 times more potent than heroin,” he said.
“This, they plan to do either in liquid or powder form and/or with misleading labels to target our youth population.
“Thus they may also mix with other prescription drugs. The illegally manufactured fentanyl in its liquid form can come in nasal sprays, eye drops, or small candies.
“As a result, parents and other stakeholders are advised to be vigilant, alert and warn their young ones against attempting to experiment with this illicit substance.
“Symptoms for fentanyl exposure and/or overdose include pinpoint pupils, falling asleep or losing consciousness, slow and shallow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, limp body, and pale, blue, or cold skin.”
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