The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has pinned down what's in the pills that have been killing some people and sending others to hospitals in middle and south Georgia.
Officials with the agency have determined it's a mixture of two synthetic opioids, cyclopropyl fentanyl and U-47700, according to a news release from GBI
"Cyclopropyl fentanyl is a fentanyl analogue that is chemically similar to fentanyl. It is unknown how the human body will react to this drug since it is not intended for human or veterinary use," GBI Public Affairs Director Nelly Miles wrote. "Cyclopropyl fentanyl had not previously been seen in Georgia."
The other component of the pills, U-47700, is 7.5 times stronger than morphine, according to the release.
At least five people have died in recent days and at least 30 others have been hospitalized after buying the drug, reportedly purported to be Percocet on the street.
"Both of these drugs are highly dangerous and should not be handled. They can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin and are extremely toxic in even the smallest quantities," Miles said.
Governor Nathan Deal signed legislation in April to outlaw both of the drugs.
Miles said numerous local, state and federal partners are working on the investigation.
