Police in Metro Detroit seize new narcan-resistant drug known as Krokodil because of what it can do to users' skin

(WWJ) — Police in St. Clair County have made their first seizure of a drug known as Krokodil, a new synthetically engineered opioid-like substance said to be about 10 times more powerful than morphine.

Desomorphine, better known on the street as “Krokodil” or “Crocodil” gets its name because the skin of long-term abusers of “may begin looking greenish and scaly due to damaged blood vessels, thrombosis, and damaged soft tissues surrounding injection sites.”

The skin’s appearance is similar to a crocodile’s scaled and rugged skin, according to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office.

While the sheriff’s office says the Drug Task Force made its first seizure of Krokodil last week, authorities did not say where the seizure was made or how much there was. Officials did not release any information about arrests.

Authorities say due to its synthetic nature, it could be resistant to Naloxone, a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses.

The DTF is urging users and citizens “to be alert and aware that this drug is in our community.”

“The Drug Task Force adapts with the ever-changing climate of drugs within the community, and this is no exception,” Sheriff Mat King said, per a press release. “Members are constantly educating themselves on new drug trends and are committed to educating the community to keep citizens safe. They are doing everything they can to eliminate all sources of Desomorphine, just as in all other illegal controlled substances.”