New Synthetic Drug U-47700 Has States Working to Stop Spread

A powerful synthetic drug called U-47700 is fast becoming a major concern to law enforcement agencies across the country. The synthetic drug, a white powdery substance, is nearly 8 times more potent than morphine and has resulted in 50-plus deaths nationwide.

The recent confiscation of U-47700 by the Keller Police Department has prompted Southlake Police to issue a warning to our community, especially teenagers. U-447700 is a powerful drug that can be injected, snorted or taken orally.

According the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), synthetic drugs are comprised of man-made chemicals including bath salts and hallucinogens that are produced in a laboratory and can be easily purchased online. The synthetic drug mimics the effects of the organic drug but with potentially more deadly consequences.

There’s even synthetic marijuana, known as K2, that’s causing serious concern. According to public health officials, these synthetic drugs started showing up in the U.S. around 2008 but were banned a few years later by the DEA because of serious health issues and death.

U-47700 is produced by chemical companies in China, which last year banned 116 new psychoactive substances at the urging of the United States. Yet the DEA is struggling to keep up with all of the new compounds being created in labs. DEA forensic chemists have identified 300 to 400 of those chemicals, but the agency has so far, only been able to control two or three dozen of the compounds.

The good news is that at least three other states — Ohio, Wyoming and Georgia — already have taken action to ban U-47700 after it was connected to overdoses and more states are expected to join in the fight.

What can you do to help protect your children?

• Kids are naturally curious. Talk with them before they learn the dangers of drugs like U-47700 on their own.
• If you discover any of these types of synthetic drugs in your teen’s possession contact the Southlake Police Department for further investigation.
• If you need additional information or have any questions, please contact our Narcotics Officer Weston Wood at (817) 748-8921.