Synthetic opioid 10x stronger than fentanyl detected in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island health officials are warning residents after a powerful synthetic opioid, believed to be 10 times stronger than fentanyl, was detected in the state’s illegal drug supply.

The drug, known as cychlorphine, belongs to a class of synthetic opioids called nitazenes. Officials recently identified the substance in three drug samples seized in Rhode Island between January and March.

Health experts say cychlorphine may be about 10 times stronger than fentanyl. Because of its potency, even a small amount could lead to a fatal overdose.

Officials are also concerned because the drug can be mixed into other substances without a person’s knowledge. As a result, users may not know they are taking it.

Nitazenes have appeared more frequently across the United States in recent years. The synthetic opioids have been linked to overdose deaths in multiple states and continue to emerge in the illegal drug supply.

The discovery highlights another challenge in the fight against overdoses. New synthetic drugs continue to enter the market, making it harder for people to know what is contained in street drugs and counterfeit pills.

Officials said standard hospital drug tests do not detect cychlorphine. Fentanyl test strips also cannot identify the drug because it has a different chemical structure.

As a result, some overdoses linked to the substance may go undetected. Health officials warn the drug could already be contributing to overdoses in Rhode Island without being identified.

Despite the growing threat, experts say naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, can still save lives during an opioid overdose. However, multiple doses may be needed when potent synthetic opioids are involved.

Officials encourage residents to carry naloxone and call 911 immediately if an overdose is suspected.

State agencies continue to monitor Rhode Island’s drug supply as they track emerging substances and work to reduce overdose deaths.