El Paso police warn about ‘grey death’ drug

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Tuesday, the El Paso Police Department posted a warning about the "grey death" drug.

EPPD said the "drug cocktail" looks like fine grey powder, concrete mix or rock-like chunks. It's a deadly combination that can include heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and U-47700.

Police said carfentanil is up to 10,000 times stronger than morphine -- meaning tiny amounts can cause a deadly overdose. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, U-47700 is seven to eight times more potent than morphine.

The "grey death" mixing ratios vary, according to police. Users won't know the true strength.

Police said not to touch the drug. Signs of overdose include shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, cold/clammy skin, pinpoint pupils and blue lips/fingertips.

Call 911 immediately for help. Naloxone, or Narcan, can also be used. Police said repeat doses may be necessary due to the strength of synthetic opioids.