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The DEA Washington Division has issued a warning about a new lethal drug that is as dangerous and deadly as fentanyl. Nitazenes, a class of drugs sourced from China, are being mixed into other drugs and have been identified as a significant threat in the D.C. metropolitan area. Isotonitazene (ISO), a synthetic opioid more potent than heroin and morphine, has been causing deadly overdoses in unsuspecting victims.
DEA regional laboratories have found ISO mixed into heroin, fentanyl, and counterfeit pills, leading to fatal consequences. The high potency of ISO increases the risk of overdose, contributing to the record-high drug overdose deaths in the US. The DEA is working to educate communities about the dangers of these synthetic opioids to prevent further senseless deaths.
While nitazene reports are currently low compared to fentanyl, officials emphasize the importance of monitoring this emerging drug closely. With the unpredictable nature of synthetic drugs and their mixtures, individuals are urged to only take medications prescribed by a doctor and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist to ensure safety.
In the UK, the spread of super-strength drugs like nitazenes has led to over 100 deaths linked to synthetic opioids. The government is facing challenges in tracking and preventing the proliferation of these dangerous substances. Flawed data collection methods have resulted in underestimating the true impact of nitazenes, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated national response to combat this growing epidemic.
Individuals like Matt Perry and Sarah, who unknowingly ingested nitazenes, have shared harrowing experiences of near-fatal overdoses, emphasizing the urgent need to raise awareness and prevent further tragedies. Healthcare professionals and organizations are calling for improved monitoring of non-fatal overdoses to track the spread of these lethal drugs and prevent future deaths.
The DEA’s warning about carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 10,000 times more potent than morphine, further underscores the grave risks associated with these substances. Law enforcement and first responders are urged to exercise extreme caution when handling fentanyl-related compounds to prevent accidental exposure and overdose deaths.
The rise of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids has reshaped the landscape of drug overdoses in the US, with alarming death rates attributed to these potent substances. The opioid crisis, once perceived as a “white problem,” now affects diverse communities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns to address the widespread impact of these deadly drugs.
