State Police say that carfentanil, "an extremely dangerous synthetic opioid" about 100 times more potent than fentanyl has been discovered in Massachusetts for the first time.

Three samples have been tested in recent weeks at the State Police Crime Lab and were positive for carfentanil, State Police said in a statement. Two of the samples were collected and submitted by Brockton Police and the third was from MBTA Transit Police, who seized the substance in the Quincy area.

This is the first time tests have confirmed the presence of carfentanil in Massachusetts, State Police said. While there have been several suspected carfentanil overdose deaths in New Hampshire, State Police are not aware of any in Massachusetts.

"Members of the general public and first responders are urged to be aware of the extreme lethality of carfentanil," State Police said. "Carfentanil can come in many forms, and can be mixed with other drugs or disguised as heroin."

Two of the samples tested by State Police were pure carfentanil, but one was carfentanil mixed with cocaine, the statement said.

"Users of illegal opioids likely would not know if they are ingesting carfentanil just by the appearance of the substance they are taking," State Police said.

Carfentanil can be absorbed through the skin from casual contact or accidentally inhaled.

Most carfentanil found in the United States has been produced in Mexico or China, State Police said.

Carfentanil is much more powerful than fentanyl, another synthetic opioid, which is more potent than heroin.

The drug is so powerful that it has been used to sedate elephants weighing thousands of pounds, State Police said, adding that it does not have a legitimate medical use for humans.

State Police have issued bulletins warning police, firefighters and other first responders of steps they should take to protect themselves from carfentanil, including wearing protective gloves and protective coverings for their mouth and nose.

Carfentanil Facts