Ohio Faces Surge in Carfentanil and New Synthetic Opioid Threat

The state of Ohio is experiencing a troubling increase in the presence of carfentanil, a potent synthetic opioid. According to data from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, there have been 199 reported instances of carfentanil in drug samples this year, marking a significant rise compared to previous years. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a stark warning about the dangers posed by these substances, emphasizing that the individuals who manufacture these drugs are indifferent to the life-threatening consequences they may cause.

In 2017, Ohio saw a peak in carfentanil occurrences, with 1,119 samples identified. Following that peak, the numbers had declined, but the recent resurgence has raised alarms in 46 counties across the state. The majority of seizures have been concentrated in central and northwestern Ohio, with troubling signs of expansion into southern areas. Carfentanil has been discovered in various forms including powder, tablets, and liquids, displaying a range of colors from white to purple.

Emerging Threat of New Opioid Compound

Adding to the already alarming situation, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has identified a new synthetic opioid compound known as N-propionitrile chlorphine, or cyclorphine. This substance was recently linked to a non-fatal overdose incident in Fairfield’s Butler County, where multiple doses of Narcan were required to revive the affected individual. The compound appears in a tan powder form and exhibits effects similar to those of fentanyl.

The emergence of cyclorphine is not isolated to Ohio; reports from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) indicate related incidents in Tennessee in July 2025, as well as a previous seizure in Florida in April 2024. The growing presence of these synthetic opioids underscores an escalating public health crisis that demands urgent attention from authorities and communities alike.

Attorney General Yost’s message is clear: the risks associated with consuming unprescribed drugs are severe and potentially lethal. Individuals who engage with these substances face a heightened risk of overdose and death, particularly as synthetic opioids become more prevalent.

As Ohio navigates this troubling landscape, increased vigilance and proactive measures will be essential in combating the spread of these dangerous substances. The collaboration of law enforcement, healthcare providers, and public health officials will be crucial in addressing the burgeoning opioid crisis in the state.