Missouri health officials are warning about a dangerous rise in Nitazenes – synthetic opioids up to ten times stronger than fentanyl.
The state’s health department says the drugs are now turning up in counterfeit pills, powders, vape liquids, and even unregulated cannabis – often without users knowing.
A new advisory urges residents to stay alert and carry Naloxone (Narcan), a drug that can reverse overdoses.
Nitazenes have been detected in wastewater at 26 Missouri schools this year, and linked to 14 overdose deaths in 2024 triple the total from the previous five years.
Officials say even a tiny dose can stop someone from breathing.