BELLAIRE — A deadly drug known as “the gray death” has made its way to Belmont County, according to local law enforcement.

Sheriff David Lucas issued a press release Friday, stating that the drug was recovered by a deputy in Bellaire. It was tested at the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Crime Lab, confirming the substance was heroin laced with carfentanil, a powerful sedative generally used on large animals such as elephants.

The drug is incredibly powerful, and can easily cause an overdose to someone who inhales or ingests it, the release states. Heroin and cocaine laced with the drug have been responsible for multiple overdose deaths across Ohio, according to the release. The drug has gained the nickname, “the gray death” due to its appearance and lethality; according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, carfentanil is 10,000 times more powerful than morphine and 100 times more potent than the related drug fentanyl, itself responsible for a number of lethal overdoses.

The drug is so potent that it endangers first responders who are trying to revive or assist overdose victims. Even a small amount of the substance can be very dangerous to an unwitting officer or paramedic, as it can be unknowingly inhaled or absorbed through skin contact. Lucas and Belmont County Major Crime Unit Co-Commander John McFarland are working together to try and protect paramedics and law enforcement officers who deal with overdose victims. They plan to enact new safety standards for their staff, as well as providing officers with safety equipment.

In the meantime, Lucas urges all first responders in the area to exercise caution when dealing with drug users.