GULF COAST HIDTA INVESTIGATIVE SUPPORT NETWORK Emerging Trend Bulletin: Potent new opioid/opiate compound known as “Grey Death” Background A new substance responsible for overdoses within the Gulf Coast region has been identified as “grey death.” Grey death, the only terminology currently known, appears similar to concrete mixing powder and varies in texture, which ranges from a chunky rock-like material to a fine powder. It is not a single drug, but is considered to be a compound containing several potent opioids. It has a potency much higher than that of heroin and can be administered via injection, ingestion, insufflation, and smoking. The analysis of each grey death sample collected so far revealed the presence of U-47700, heroin, and fentanyl; though the amount of each drug within grey death varied from sample to sample. U-47700 is a relatively new designer drug responsible for a series of Grey Death in “rock” form. overdoses nationwide. U-47700 is approximately eight times more potent than morphine and can be ingested using a variety of methods. It is unknown at this time how U-47700 interacts with either fentanyl or heroin within the body. Details There have been several overdoses and overdose-related deaths across Georgia and Alabama linked to grey death. There were two confirmed overdoses in Auburn, Alabama and another two in Georgia as a result of experimentation with the compound. The two subjects in Auburn ingested the compound using different methods; one by intravenous injection and the other by insufflation. The IV user lost consciousness soon after administration and the other user attempted to resuscitate him using CPR before he also overdosed. Grey Death in a light-colored powder form. The DEA Special Testing and Research Laboratory determined that the sample from Alabama was comprised of the same drugs as the sample from Georgia. It is important to note that the amount of each ingredient differed between the Georgia/Alabama cases. Some of the samples collected from Georgia contained butyrfentanyl and acrylfentanyl, while other samples showed an entirely different composition. This information is being released to raise awareness of the unpredictability and danger of this compound. This bulletin was produced by the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking area. Questions or comments may be directed to Mike Murphy at (504)840-1479 or Murphym@gchidta.org Sources: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) D. Kilcrease, GBI Drug Chemistry Crime Lab Manager DEA Special Testing and Research Laboratory Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab Georgia Information Sharing & Analysis Center (GISAC)