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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a warning regarding the risks of the opioid carfentanil. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid the DEA says is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which is 50 times more potent than heroin.Carfentanil has been linked to numerous overdose deaths in parts of the country, and has been documented in Western Pennsylvania.In August, <a href="https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/574300/luzerne-county-district-attorney-warns-of-new-deadly-drug-causing-overdoses-in-pennsylvania" target="_blank">Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis issued a similar warning</a> about the drug, as a way to be proactive about combating the drug.&#8220;Although we have not seen a case in our region, at least that we are aware of, it is important to be proactive and informed in the event this drug makes its way across the state,&#8221; Salavantis said.Carfentanil is showing up in communities disguised as heroin, DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg said.&#8220;It is crazy dangerous,&#8221; Rosenberg said in the report.Carfentanil is a Schedule II substance and is used to tranquilize elephants and other large animals.Signs and symptoms of exposure of carfentanil, according to the report, are:&#8226; Respiratory depression or arrest&#8226; Drowsiness, disorientation, sedation&#8226; Pinpoint pupils and clammy skinCarfentanil is not the only opioid causing issues in the country. Fentanyl has also been found in batches of heroin in Pennsylvania.In July, <a href="https://www.timesleader.com/news/570135/sen-toomey-meets-with-nepa-officials-to-discuss-opioid-issue" target="_blank">Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Zionsville, held a roundtable discussion</a> on opioid use in the area. Officers at the meeting came to a consensus that, in Northeastern Pennsylvania, fentanyl has contributed to a majority of drug-related deaths.Both carfentanil and fentanyl can be disguised as heroin and the DEA warned law enforcement across the country to use &#8220;extreme caution&#8221; when handling cases involving the drug.Times Leader staffer Jennifer Learn-Andes contributed to this report.<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By Brigid Edmundsbedmunds@www.timesleader.com</bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta>Reach Brigid Edmunds at 570-991-6119 or on Twitter @TL_News</shirttailMeta></div>

DEA issues warning regarding risks of carfentanil