The El Paso Police Department posted an urgent public‑safety alert on Tuesday warning residents about a highly lethal street drug being sold under the name “grey death.” According to officers, the substance appears as a fine grey powder, a concrete‑mix‑like texture, or rock‑like chunks, making it difficult for users to gauge its potency.
What’s in the mixture?
Police say the “grey death” cocktail can contain a combination of heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and the synthetic opioid U‑47700. Each of these components is extremely potent on its own, and together they create a risk of rapid, fatal overdose.
Carfentanil is reported to be up to 10,000 times stronger than morphine, meaning that only a microscopic amount can cause a lethal reaction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that U‑47700 is roughly seven to eight times more potent than morphine. Because the exact mixing ratios vary from batch to batch, users cannot know the true strength of the drug they have taken.
How to recognize an overdose
Officers outlined the classic signs of an opioid overdose: shallow or stopped breathing, loss of consciousness, cold or clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, and a bluish tint to the lips or fingertips. If any of these symptoms appear, callers should dial 911 immediately.
First responders may administer naloxone (commonly known by the brand name Narcan) to reverse the effects of the opioids. Because the synthetic opioids in “grey death” are so powerful, multiple doses of naloxone may be required to revive an individual.
Police recommendations
The department stressed that the drug should never be handled. Even brief skin contact could expose a person to a dangerous amount of the substances. Residents are urged to report any suspicious powder or “rock‑like” material to law enforcement and to keep the information away from children and other vulnerable individuals.
El Paso officials are working with regional health agencies and addiction‑treatment providers to increase public awareness and to ensure that naloxone kits are readily available throughout the city. Community groups are also being asked to help spread the warning, especially in neighborhoods where opioid use has been historically high.
What families can do
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk openly with their children about the dangers of illicit drugs, emphasizing that “grey death” is not a harmless experiment but a potentially fatal substance. Local churches and faith‑based organizations have offered to host informational sessions, reinforcing the city’s commitment to protecting families and upholding the sanctity of life.
For anyone who suspects an overdose, the quickest response can save a life. Call 911, administer naloxone if it is available, and stay with the person until emergency personnel arrive.
Resources
El Paso residents can contact the police department’s non‑emergency line for more information about the warning, or visit the city’s health‑department website for a list of nearby treatment centers and naloxone distribution sites.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
