Manchester Police and health officials are warning the public about an uptick in overdoses they are seeing in New Hampshire and the Queen City involving a deadly drug -- carfentanil.
According to data provided by the New Hampshire State Medical Examiner, so far in 2025 carfentanil has played a part in 10 overdose deaths in the Granite State, three of which were in Manchester.
In 2024 there were a total of seven carfentanil deaths, officials said.
Overdoses involving other drugs such as pure fentanyl and methamphetamine are down this year, officials said.
"We are constantly battling the presence of illegal narcotics in our city," Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr said in a statement. "While we work closely with the health department to help individuals manage their substance use disorder, we also rigorously target the source of the problem by arresting drug dealers."
According to police and health officials, carfentanil is an "extremely potent, synthentic opioid" often used as a veterinary tranquilizer and not approved for human use.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports the drug is approximately 10,000 times stronger than morphine and more potent than fentanyl. Officials said in recent months there has been an uptick in the number of samples taken from drug seizures that have tested positive for carfentanil in Manchester.
"The City of Manchester is on track to realize historic lows in the number of suspected overdoses and fatalities, however, our work is far from done," city Health Director Anna Thomas said in a statement. "Every life we save is worth fighting for and we are grateful for the leadership from the Manchester Police Department to continuously make this a community priority."
If someone comes in contact with carfentanil, the DEA recommends they use extreme caution.
"Only properly trained and outfitted law enforcement personnel should handle any substance suspected to contain fentanyl or fentanyl-related compounds," city healh and police officials said in a joint statement. "Carfentanil and other fentanyl related substances can work very quickly, so it is important to call medical professionals immediately if you suspect exposure."
American Medical response (AMR) medics responded to a total of 47 suspected opioid ODs in Nashua and Manchester during August - 35 in Manchester and 12 in Nashua.
Five of these overdoses were fatal -- four in Manchester, one in Nashua.
Manchester continues to trend towards a record low overall suspected opioid overdose pace for the year, and is still trending 24% below last year in total suspected opioid overdoses, and 7% lower than 2024 for suspected opioid overdose deaths.
Nashua also continues trending towards a record low number of overdoses for the year, and trending 11% below last year - though Nashua is trending 43% higher in suspected opioid deaths over last year.
City health and public safety officials, along with community providers, urge those struggling with substance use disorder, anxiety or other mental health concerns to contact the Doorways by calling 2-1-1 or by visiting https://www.thedoorway.nh.gov/.