The Missouri Department of Public Safety is warning about a synthetic opioid called cychlorphine, which officials say is 10 times more potent than fentanyl.
The drug was detected in 10 states, including Missouri, in 2025, and was linked to 55 overdose deaths nationwide between 2025 and 2026.
Naloxone can reverse an overdose, but multiple doses may be needed. Officials also warn that fentanyl test strips may not reliably detect cychlorphine.
Free naloxone is available at Columbia Fire Department stations and several other locations around the city.