By Bobbie Lewis for HOODLINE
Western North Carolina sheriffs are warning residents about cychlorphine, a novel synthetic opioid they say could be even more dangerous than fentanyl. Law enforcement agencies across the region say the drug has already been linked to fatal overdoses in nearby states and that even tiny amounts may be enough to kill.
What local sheriffs are saying
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert on April 15 about cychlorphine, noting it has been tied to deadly overdoses in Tennessee and other areas, according to WLOS. Captain Justin Bell of the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office told the station the risk looks a lot like other synthetic opioids, since the drug can be blended into pills or other substances without users realizing it. Bell said that even smaller quantities can be deadly and that reversing an overdose may take multiple doses of Narcan.
What researchers are finding
The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education has issued a public alert warning that N‑Propionitrile chlorphine, commonly known as cychlorphine, was first identified in mid‑2024 and has now turned up in toxicology reports in several jurisdictions. In a January alert, the CFSRE reported that the compound has been detected in dozens of fatal cases and that early pharmacology suggests it may be about ten times as potent as fentanyl, a level of strength that makes it harder to detect and respond to effectively (Center for Forensic Science Research and Education).
Where it’s shown up so far
Forensic officials in East Tennessee told reporters in February that preliminary testing had linked cychlorphine to at least 16 deaths. By early April, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center reported detecting the drug in dozens of overdose deaths across its 23‑county coverage area, according to reporting by WATE and a Scripps News roundup. Other laboratories and federal field offices have also reported finding the compound in parts of California and beyond, indicating that it is moving through multiple regional drug markets.
How to stay safer
Public health experts and forensic researchers advise that naloxone should be given right away in any suspected opioid overdose, and that ultra‑potent synthetics like cychlorphine may require more than one dose to be effective, according to the CFSRE alert. North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services notes that statewide standing orders and local initiatives are in place to make naloxone widely accessible and recommends calling 911 and providing rescue breaths if trained while waiting for emergency medical help (NCDHHS).
Law enforcement agencies and regional forensic labs say they are working with state and federal partners to track cychlorphine’s spread and prepare first responders. Officials emphasize treating any unknown pill or powder as potentially lethal and keeping naloxone close at hand.