What other drugs are classified as emerging drug threats by the White House?
Introduction
The White House recently designated an animal sedative called etorphine as an emerging drug threat. Etorphine is highly potent and dangerous, and it is sometimes misused by drug traffickers to make counterfeit opioids. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of etorphine misuse and the efforts being made to prevent its abuse.
What is Etorphine?
Etorphine is a synthetic opioid that is used as a veterinary anesthetic in large animals such as elephants and rhinoceroses. It is also known as M99 and is highly potent, with just a few drops being enough to tranquilize an animal.
Why is Etorphine Dangerous?
Etorphine is dangerous because of its potency and the fact that it can easily be misused by drug traffickers to make counterfeit opioids. A small amount of etorphine can cause respiratory depression, which can lead to an overdose and death. Because it is so potent, even accidental exposure to etorphine can be fatal.
Efforts to Prevent Misuse of Etorphine
The White House’s decision to designate etorphine as an emerging drug threat is a step towards preventing its misuse. The designation means that resources will be allocated to prevent the diversion of etorphine for illicit purposes. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is also working to prevent the importation of etorphine and to prosecute those who misuse it.
Conclusion
Etorphine is a highly potent and dangerous animal sedative that is sometimes misused by drug traffickers to make counterfeit opioids. The White House’s designation of etorphine as an emerging drug threat is an important step towards preventing its misuse. The public must be cautious around etorphine and report any suspicious activity involving the drug to the authorities.