Drug That’s 10x More Potent than Fentanyl Detected in Kentucky, Tennessee

Homeland Security Warns of Drug Stronger Than Fentanyl

Earlier this week, I told you about a "natural supplement" sold at gas stations and online that the Warrick County Coroner’s Office warned could be deadly. They have seen an uptick in deaths tied to that product.

Now, there is another serious warning, this time involving a drug even more powerful than fentanyl.

Yes, fentanyl.

What Is Cychlorphine

According to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, cychlorphine is a highly potent synthetic drug that is estimated to be about ten times stronger than fentanyl. It was originally sold as a designer drug and has now been detected in five European countries and the United States.

Until recently, it had not been found in our region. Homeland Security says the illegal narcotic has now been detected in central Kentucky and parts of eastern Tennessee. Officials report 19 overdose deaths in Tennessee alone linked to the drug.

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Why It Is So Dangerous

Cychlorphine is often mixed into other illegal narcotics. That means users may not even realize they are taking it.

Officials say this puts people at extreme risk of unintentional exposure. In many cases, individuals believe they are using a different substance entirely.

That is terrifying.

What Officials Are Advising

The Kentucky Department of Homeland Security is urging first responders, healthcare providers, and law enforcement to use extreme caution when handling unknown or illicit substances. Proper personal protective equipment should always be used.

They also stress that all overdoses should be treated as medical emergencies. For now, officials recommend following standard fentanyl protocol. However, naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, may not always be effective against cychlorphine.

Another challenge is that cychlorphine does not show up on routine toxicology screens. A specialized lab test is required to detect it.

What To Do If You Suspect Exposure

If cychlorphine is suspected in an overdose or death, officials say to immediately report confirmed or suspected cases to local public safety authorities.

This is a developing and very serious situation. Please stay aware and share this information. It could save a life.