As fentanyl continues to remain among the most deadly drugs available in America, many question how it could remain so popular with such a sinister reputation. One answer could be the low cost as compared to similar illicit substances. Many manufacturers, dealers, and users see it as a more cost efficient choice for the same effect as other opioids. With any substance, the supply matches the demand, and as fentanyl continues to be demanded by those who use it illicitly, it will continue to be present in underground and illegal markets worldwide.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the addictive effects of fentanyl or any other opioid, we are here to help. Guardian Recovery understands the importance of providing quality substance use treatment and is committed to this standard for each of our clients. Call today to take your first step towards a life of freedom from addiction.
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Known Street Values of Fentanyl by Amount
As technology continues to advance, the illicit drug trade advances with it. Unlike in years past, the vast majority of wholesale drug transactions involving fentanyl are online. Utilizing “dark web” drug markets, drug dealers are able to purchase large quantities of fentanyl directly from international manufacturers and have it shipped directly to themselves.
Fentanyl, like other illicit substances, has a wholesale price and a personal use price (1). As the amount purchased increases, the price decreases. The wholesale amount for fentanyl is approximately 5 grams. Pharmaceutical grade fentanyl is available for purchase on illegal online drug markets for approximately $1400 per gram for amounts smaller than 5 grams and approximately $139 per gram for amounts greater than 5 grams. 5 grams of fentanyl is enough to provide a lethal dose to 2500 adult male’s.
What Factors Contribute to the Street Value of Fentanyl?
Much like on conventional markets, factors that can impact fentanyl’s street value include supply, demand, and quality (2). As manufacturers and dealers develop the reputation of being a dependable supplier with high quality products, they are able to increase their prices. Another factor determining availability and price is ease of access. With different parts of the world having a wide variety of trade and postal service regulations, fentanyl prices will increase and decrease based on each of these and the ability for suppliers to navigate them.
Street Prices of Fentanyl Compared to Common Opioids
As compared to other opioids found on illegal online drug markets, fentanyl tends to be more expensive. Though it carries the wholesale price of approximately $139 per gram compared to heroin’s $32 per gram, it is still financially beneficial for drug dealers to purchase fentanyl. 10 grams of fentanyl is estimated to provide the same dose as 1 kilogram of heroin that carries an estimated street value of $160,00 dollars. Compared to the $1390 that a dealer would pay for the same impact from fentanyl, it is easy to see why this highly potent chemical compound is so popular.
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Can Purity of Fentanyl Be Determined?
Due to its synthetic manufacturing process, fentanyl carries a relatively standard level of potency. What determines the purity of the final product are the other substances mixed in with the fentanyl. Users of fentanyl rarely test its potency with chemical means. The most common way to determine the potency of each substance is to use a small amount and see what effect it has. Often, those purchasing fentanyl will return to the same dealers after determining that they provide a quality product.
Crude methods of determining potency are often utilized as well. An unfortunate but common practice to determine purity is users flocking to dealers who provided the products to someone in the community who has recently overdosed. The user understands that the product used must be extremely potent and therefore has the potential to provide a strong high regardless of the associated dangers.
Prescription Fentanyl Variants Sold on the Street
Similar to other illicit substances that serve medical purposes when used properly, fentanyl is available in a multitude of applications (3). Though they are intended for medical purposes, these products are made available for illicit purposes as well.
Powder
In its original state of production, fentanyl is a fine white powder. This powder is used in this state for illicit purposes only either by snorting, smoking, or dissolved in water to be injected. For medical purposes, it is further manufactured into its other usable forms.
Pills & Tablets
An estimated 48% of illegally manufactured pills (4) confiscated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) contained doses of 2 milligrams or more of fentanyl, a lethal dose for most adults. Fentanyl pills are available by prescription as well though they are far less common than other forms.
Patches
A common medical application for fentanyl is topical patches intended to allow fentanyl to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. These patches are administered for pain relief after a surgical procedure or during the late stages of cancer. These patches are used for illicit purposes by dismantling them to extract the powder fentanyl available in each. The estimated street value for a fentanyl patch is between $75-$100.
Nasal Spray
Though less common for illicit users, fentanyl is manufactured into a nasal spray. Soaked in through the mucus membranes in the nasal and sinus cavities, it enters the bloodstream and is dispersed throughout the body. This method of ingestion is effective in providing quick pain relief to clients.
Common Street Names for Fentanyl
In medical settings it is referred to by either its chemical name or the brand name of the manufacturer. Some common street names for fentanyl include:
- Apache
- Dance Fever
- Friend
- Goodfellas
- Jackpot
- Murder 8
- Tango & Cash 1
Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl Sold on the Street
Since it is illegal, there is no regulation for substances purchased illicitly. Because of this, factors like potency, foreign substances, and origin are all unknown and potentially fatal to the user.
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Fentanyl addiction is a continued issue for many individuals across the country. With overdose rates extremely high, the need for quality substance use treatment is higher than ever. If you or a loved one find themselves in need of treatment, call Guardian Recovery today. Our admissions professionals are standing by 24 hours a day to help you determine the best path for you towards your recovery goals. Reach out today and begin your journey to freedom.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736148/
- https://www.aic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-05/ti590_fentanyl_availability_on_darknet_markets.pdf
- https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/Fentanyl%202022%20Drug%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
- https://www.dea.gov/onepill
