TENNESSEE — A newly identified synthetic opioid has been linked to at least 41 deaths in East Tennessee, raising concerns among health officials and law enforcement as the drug continues to appear in overdose cases.
According to authorities, the substance — known as N-Propionitrile Chlorphine, or “cychlorphine” — has been detected in toxicology reports in multiple counties across the region between July 2025 and February 2026. Experts say the drug was first identified less than two years ago and is believed to be significantly more potent than fentanyl, one of the strongest opioids currently widespread in the illicit drug supply.
Officials with the Knox County Regional Forensic Center say the drug’s emergence is alarming, particularly as it has increasingly been found alongside other substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamine. The combination of multiple drugs further increases the risk of fatal overdoses.
The opioid has also been identified in several other states, including California, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas, suggesting it may be spreading nationwide. Some reports indicate the drug may have originated overseas before entering the United States.
Health experts warn that increasingly powerful synthetic opioids like cychlorphine represent a dangerous development in the ongoing opioid crisis. Dr. Rachel Wirginis, an addiction medicine physician in Oklahoma, said rapid identification and response are critical to preventing more deaths.
Despite the drug’s potency, officials say naloxone — commonly known as Narcan — can still reverse overdoses if administered quickly.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and encourage the public to exercise extreme caution.
