The Montana Department of Justice (MTDOJ) and Billings Police Department (BPD) are alerting the public to a significant and alarming increase in the presence of the deadly synthetic opioid carfentanil in the Billings area.
The warning follows a major drug seizure by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, which uncovered 4,900 pills that tested positive for carfentanil—a highly lethal drug that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. The drugs, which originated from Mexican drug cartels, were trafficked into Montana from out of state. The seized carfentanil appeared in both blue M30 pills and powder form.
“This is a deeply troubling development,” said Attorney General Austin Knudsen. “We are urging Montanans to be on alert following this large drug seizure. These drugs are extremely dangerous—one pill can kill. Never take a pill that was not prescribed by your doctor.”
In a separate but related bust, law enforcement also seized 5,000 pills that tested positive for fentanyl, further signaling a growing threat of synthetic opioid trafficking in eastern Montana.
What is Carfentanil?
Carfentanil is a powerful synthetic opioid used to sedate large animals like elephants, and is not approved for human use. It can be deadly in microgram amounts and is especially hazardous because it can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, making accidental exposure a significant risk for users and first responders alike.
Forms of carfentanil may include:
- Powder
- Blotter paper
- Tablets (such as counterfeit prescription pills)
- Transdermal patches
- Sprays
Attorney General Knudsen praised law enforcement for their continued vigilance: “I’m grateful for the hard work of our officers and agents. Their efforts are saving countless lives by preventing these deadly drugs from hitting our streets.”
By: DNU staff