Officials with the Tioga County Health Department say there have been several deaths recently linked to a powerful patch of synthetic Fentanyl that is 100 times more potent than unaltered fentanyl.

Four people have died from the synthetic drug that is intended to be used to sedate elephants.

The killer substance was found mixed with methamphetamine and, in at least one case, several doses of the reversal drug, Narcan, were unsuccessful in saving the person.

Kathy Whyte/ WNBF News
Kathy Whyte/ WNBF News
loading...

Officials say the drug is so potent it can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled and exposure to very small amounts can be deadly.

In many cases, Narcan is successful in reversing the effects of drug overdose.  Anyone wanting information on obtaining and instruction on using a Narcan Kit can contact the Tioga County Health Department. People outside of Tioga County can contact their local county health department for information.

More From 99.1 The Whale