Michael Nalewaja, a 36-year-old electrician, died from a lethal mixture of fentanyl and carfentanil just before Thanksgiving 2025. His mother, Kelley Nalewaja, told Associated Press (AP) how was the devastating moment when he received the news of his death, highlighting the ineffectiveness of the rescue resources available.
Following Michael’s death, his mother has launched a campaign to promote legislative and judicial changes that prevent others from suffering the same loss. Instead of a traditional funeral, he organized a town hall to discuss the growing problem of deadly drugs.
Carfentanil, a highly toxic chemical, has reemerged with a vengeance on the US drug market, leading to an alarming rise in deaths among unsuspecting users.
Despite the recent reduction in deaths from fentanyl overdoses, the Drug Administration Administration (DEA) warns about the increase in the presence of carfentanil in drug seizures.
Production and distribution of carfentanil
It is noteworthy that a decade ago carfentanil burst onto the North American drug market, causing overdoses in hundreds of unsuspecting users, only to experience a significant decline after China banned it, closing a key regulatory loophole in the United States.
But the situation has changed drastically in recent years. After the period of decline, seizures of carfentanil have increased dramatically, with 1,400 identifications in 2025. It is suspected that traffickers in Mexico are beginning to produce it locally, a situation complicated by the dangers associated with its manufacture.
Comparison to fentanyl
Despite the reduction in fentanyl seizures, it remains a significant threat. Experts warn that carfentanil could spread if stricter delight in watch over measures are not implemented.
Carfentanil is so powerful that it multiplies the effects of fentanyl by 100; so much so that an amount less than the size of a poppy seed can kill a person, collect AP.
“We are talking about a negligible amount, even a pinch of salt, that could be potentially lethal,” said Frank Tarentino, DEA chief of operations for the northeast region, which spans from Maine to Virginia. “This represents an extremely alarming situation for drug-dependent people seeking opioids on the streets today.”
Overdose symptoms
Signs of a carfentanil overdose include severe respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and constricted pupils.
Main signs
- Slow, weak or absent breathing; gurgling or choking sounds.
- Loss of consciousness, coma, or inability to wake up.
- Pupils pointed or contracted (like pinpoints).
Other common symptoms
- Cold, clammy, clammy skin; cyanosis (bluish skin on lips or nails).
- Slow or erratic heart rate; flaccid body.
- Extreme drowsiness, confusion, or disorientation.
These symptoms appear quickly due to its high potency and require immediate medical attention, such as high-dose naloxone. The predominant treatment for fentanyl and carfentanil overdose is naloxone (Narcan), an opioid antagonist that reverses respiratory depression.
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