Nitazenes, super-potent synthetic opioids, pose deadly new hazard

“But now, with nitazenes being mixed in, it’s a new level of concern. We need to get the word out that these are incredibly potent substances that are killing people.”

Experts believe that nitazenes are more dangerous than fentanyl because they are so potent and because users often don’t know they are taking them. “People are used to fentanyl, but nitazenes are a whole different ballgame,” said Krotulski. “They can be up to 40 times stronger than fentanyl, and when mixed with other drugs, the risk of overdose is even higher.”

One troubling trend is the increasing use of nitazenes in counterfeit prescription pills. These pills, often sold on the street as opioids like oxycodone or hydrocodone, can contain a lethal mix of nitazenes, fentanyl, and other substances. Users may think they are taking a prescription painkiller, only to overdose on a deadly combination of drugs.

“The proliferation of nitazenes in counterfeit pills is a major concern,” said Tarentino. “We are working with local law enforcement to crack down on these counterfeit operations and prevent more deaths.”

For Taylor, the fight against nitazenes is personal. He has dedicated himself to raising awareness about the dangers of these potent drugs and advocating for more resources for addiction treatment and prevention. “No family should have to go through what we went through,” he said. “We need to do everything we can to stop the spread of nitazenes and prevent more tragedies like Ashley’s.”

As the opioid crisis continues to evolve, experts are warning that nitazenes represent a new and deadly threat. With their incredible potency and the ease of access through online channels, these synthetic opioids are claiming more lives every day. It will take a concerted effort from law enforcement, public health officials, and communities to combat the spread of these dangerous drugs and protect those who are most vulnerable.

The rise of nitazenes in the drug market has raised alarms among law enforcement officials, parents, caregivers, educators, and young people alike. The exponential increase in seizures of nitazenes, as reported by the DEA’s NFLIS, is a cause for concern. The numbers, though already high, are likely underestimated due to limitations in testing capabilities and reporting systems.

Ohio, in particular, has been heavily impacted by the influx of nitazenes. The state has recorded the highest number of positive laboratory reports and overdose deaths related to nitazenes since 2019. Governor Mike DeWine has taken steps to address the crisis by scheduling nitazenes and legalizing tools to test for these dangerous substances.

Experts attribute Ohio’s vulnerability to drug trafficking to its unique geographic and infrastructural characteristics. Organizations like Harm Reduction Ohio are advocating for more drug-checking services, education, and access to lifesaving medications like naloxone to mitigate the harm caused by nitazenes.

Medical examiner reports from Cuyahoga County shed light on the demographics of nitazene-related deaths, revealing a diverse range of victims from various backgrounds. In many cases, nitazenes were found in combination with other drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, making them more potent and addictive.

Dealers often mix nitazenes with other substances to increase their potency and profitability. Court records show that nitazenes can fetch high prices on the black market, with small quantities capable of being diluted into thousands of doses. The drug is primarily imported from countries like China, Hong Kong, and the UK, with some shipments intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Despite law enforcement efforts to curb the spread of nitazenes, the drug continues to pose a significant threat to public health and safety. The availability and potency of these substances make them attractive to dealers looking to capitalize on the demand for powerful narcotics. As the crisis unfolds, it is crucial for stakeholders to work together to combat the proliferation of nitazenes and protect vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of these dangerous drugs.

“The proliferation of these substances is a real concern because they’re just as potent as fentanyl if not more so,” he said. “They’re not as well known as nitazenes, but they’re just as dangerous.” 

Experts urge continued vigilance and international cooperation to combat the spread of these dangerous synthetic opioids. The case of Singh and the large nitazene seizure in the Bronx serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against illicit drug trafficking across borders. As law enforcement agencies work to disrupt drug networks and dismantle online marketplaces, the challenge remains to stay ahead of the ever-evolving tactics of drug traffickers.

Orphines, a new class of synthetic opioids, have emerged as a concerning trend in the illicit drug market. These substances have just enough of a molecular difference from existing regulations in China, making them difficult to classify under current laws.

According to experts, Chinese synthetic opioid manufacturers have a history of adapting to regulations. In 2019, China banned all fentanyl-related substances, leading to a sharp decrease in the number of fentanyl analogs reported to the UNODC. However, reports of nitazenes quickly rose following this ban. Now, with China cracking down on nitazenes, orphines have started to gain popularity in the illicit drug trade.

More than 150 cases involving orphines were reported in the U.S. between 2024 and 2025, with a majority of cases concentrated in Illinois. This spike in orphine-related incidents has raised concerns among law enforcement and health officials.

Experts refer to these synthetic drug manufacturers as “shape shifters,” highlighting their ability to constantly adapt and evolve to circumvent regulations. They exploit loopholes and vulnerabilities in the system, creating a global challenge for drug enforcement agencies.

The rise of orphines underscores the need for continued vigilance and collaboration among international partners to combat the ever-changing landscape of synthetic opioids. Law enforcement agencies and health organizations must remain proactive in monitoring and responding to emerging drug trends to protect public health and safety.

This article was supported by the Fund for Investigative Journalism. Bellingcat, founded in 2014, is an independent collective of researchers, investigators, and citizen journalists dedicated to using open-source research methods to investigate issues of public interest. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new advancements and innovations being made every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize many industries, from healthcare to finance to retail.

One area where AI is already making a big impact is in the field of autonomous vehicles. These self-driving cars use AI algorithms to navigate roads and make decisions in real-time, without the need for human intervention. This technology has the potential to greatly improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion, as well as provide greater mobility for people who are unable to drive themselves.

Another area where AI is changing the game is in healthcare. AI-powered algorithms are being used to analyze medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, to help doctors make more accurate diagnoses. AI is also being used to develop personalized treatment plans for patients based on their individual medical history and genetics. This has the potential to greatly improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

In the retail industry, AI is being used to personalize the shopping experience for customers. Online retailers use AI algorithms to analyze customer data and make product recommendations based on their preferences and browsing history. This not only helps customers find products they are more likely to purchase, but also helps retailers increase sales and customer loyalty.

AI is also being used in finance to detect fraudulent activity and assess credit risk. Banks and financial institutions use AI algorithms to analyze large amounts of data in real-time to identify suspicious transactions and prevent fraud. AI is also being used to develop more accurate credit scoring models, which can help lenders make better lending decisions and reduce the risk of default.

Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize many industries and improve efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. However, there are also concerns about the ethical implications of AI, such as bias in algorithms and the potential for job displacement. It will be important for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to work together to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner.