A Drug Meant for Elephants Is Spreading in Russia

Russian authorities are increasingly seizing batches of a highly dangerous synthetic drug — carfentanil. This was reported by the newspaper “Izvestia”.

While the substance was rarely encountered in previous years, in 2024 alone, law enforcement seized 1 kilogram of carfentanil. In the early months of 2025, another 100 grams were confiscated.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid derived from fentanyl. It was first synthesized by Janssen Pharmaceuticals in 1974. Its potency is staggering — 5,000 times stronger than heroin and 10,000 times stronger than morphine. It is primarily used by veterinarians to sedate large animals such as elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.

Experts warn that for humans, the lethal dose is just 2 micrograms (0.002 mg). In Russia, carfentanil is listed as a controlled psychotropic substance.

China is believed to be one of the primary producers of this substance. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has classified carfentanil as one of the most powerful commercial opioids in the world.

Russian authorities are tightening efforts to prevent the spread of this deadly substance across the country. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!