Kentucky warns after cychlorphine detected as deaths rise in Tennessee
Cychlorphine has been detected in central Kentucky as Tennessee authorities link the synthetic opioid to 41 deaths in 11 counties in 2026. The drug is believed to be 10 times more potent than fentanyl and is not detectable by fentanyl testing strips.
Cychlorphine has been detected in central Kentucky, prompting a public warning as authorities in Tennessee link the synthetic opioid to 41 deaths in 11 counties so far in 2026. The drug is believed to be 10 times more potent than fentanyl and has been contributing to overdose deaths in neighboring regions, including East Tennessee.
The drug, N-Propionitrile chlorphine, was first detected in toxicology from postmortems in mid-2024 by the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education in Pennsylvania, and since then its use appears to have exploded. It belongs to an emergent subclass of synthetic opioids known as “orphines,” which first appeared on the recreational drug market in 2020, according to forensic experts.
Authorities in Tennessee have linked the drug to 41 deaths in 11 counties so far in 2026. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics reported at least one death related to N-Propionitrile chlorphine in March, while a public safety warning was issued by Kentucky in February. The drug has appeared in seven other states: California, Nevada, Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania. It has also been linked to deaths in three Canadian provinces.
The drug is often manufactured to resemble legitimate prescription pills or other substances, making it difficult for individuals to know what they are taking. Adding to the risk is the fact that N-Propionitrile chlorphine is not detectable by fentanyl testing strips. N-Propionitrile chlorphine has been found in toxicology reports alongside other drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security said first responders, healthcare providers and law enforcement personnel are advised to use extreme caution when handling unknown substances, utilize proper personal protective equipment, treat all suspected Cychlorphine-related overdoses as medical emergencies and immediately report any confirmed or suspected cases to local public safety authorities. The office also urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid contact with unknown substances and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.