MARION, Ill. (AP) — Williamson County officials are monitoring the use of a synthetic opioid they say was recently introduced in the area and poses a major threat of overdose.

Officials say U-47700 is eight times stronger than heroin. It can be purchased online from Chinese manufacturers at a low cost.

The Southern Illinoisan reports that the drug, also referred to as “U,” ”U-4,” ”Pink,” or “Pinky,” was introduced throughout Illinois last year. It has claimed the lives of at least 100 people in Illinois since then.

Williamson County State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti says o