A opioid painkiller that’s more potent than morphine will soon be banned in Wisconsin.
The state Controlled Substances Board voted unanimously Tuesday to ban six dangerous drug, including the synthetic opioid “U-47700,” which is also known as synthetic heroin. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration says it will ban the drug starting early next month, while Wisconsin’s ban takes effect in November.
The move comes after prosecutors raised concerns about the drug, which has been linked to at least 50 deaths nationwide and is easily available online. There are concerns that many drug dealers and users have turned to synthetic products to avoid prosecution.
State Rep. Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc) applauded the move, calling it a “major victory” in the fight against controlled substances. The Oconomowoc Republicans plans to introduce legislation next spring that would permanently address the class of drugs that includes U-47700.