New opioids more powerful than fentanyl

Forensic analysts have identified a new and highly potent family of synthetic opioids in Washington DC’s illicit drug supply, a worrisome discovery in a city already struggling with a wave of fatal overdoses that shows no signs of abating. The opioids, found on used syringes examined by scientists at the DC Department of Forensic Sciences in September and October, are called protonitazene and isotonitazene, respectively. Experts estimate that each is at least several times more powerful than fentanyl.