After killing two people in Racine County – and 50 across the country – U47700 is now illegal to buy and possess in the State of Wisconsin.
WISN 12 News confirmed that the state Controlled Substances Board Tuesday unanimously approved banning the substance. The new rule goes into effect Nov. 7.
U47700 is available online and is considered more dangerous than other synthetic opiates already on the street.
“This is just as dangerous, if not more dangerous than any other synthetic opiate that is illegal,” Racine County Medical Examiner Michael Payne said last month.
Racine County Sheriff Chris Schmaling told the news station that he thinks the ban will save lives, but he’s worried about what could happen in the meantime.
“My concern is until that date, law enforcement hands will remain tied,” he said. “And these drugs will continue to fall through our community — synthetic opiate — will continue to flow through until it becomes illegal.”