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Super‑potent drug hits Bay Area
San Francisco, California, USA,Sunday, April 26, 2026
A city health office warns that a potent new synthetic opioid has emerged in counterfeit pills, raising the stakes for drug safety across the country.
What We Know
- Name: Cychlorphine
- Origin: First detected in Florida, 2024. Spread to San Francisco via major highways.
- Potency: Believed to be stronger than fentanyl.
- First Fatality: A fatal overdose reported earlier this month.
Why It’s Dangerous
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Detection | Current testing tools, including fentanyl test strips, fail to detect cychlorphine. |
| Undetectable in Mixes | It can hide within a variety of street drugs, making it hard to spot. |
| Antidote Efficacy | May not respond well to Narcan; multiple doses could be required. |
Community Response
- Tenderloin Initiative:
- Doubled Narcan kit distribution nightly.
- Offers safety workshops and treatment support.
- Law Enforcement: Warns of unpredictable supply and heightened danger.
Call to Action
The health department urges everyone to avoid suspicious pills and stay informed about emerging drug threats.
The problem is escalating nationwide, with new threats to drug safety appearing in communities across the country.
Actions
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