Potent New Opioid, Cyclorphine, Claims First Victim in Los Angeles County
Health officials issue urgent warning about the drug, which is 10 times more powerful than fentanyl and undetectable by standard testing strips.
Los Angeles health authorities have issued an urgent warning regarding cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid 10 times more powerful than fentanyl, after it was linked to its first fatality in LA County. The Los Angeles Department of Public Health confirmed that a death in February 2026 was associated with the drug, which is similar in potency to fentanyl and heroin.
Officials are emphasizing the extreme danger posed by cychlorphine, noting that even small doses can be lethal. The potent opioid has been present in the U.S. drug supply since 2024 and has been detected in 19 states. In April, San Francisco health officials reported the first known fatality in the city attributed to cychlorphine.
The drug is a significant concern because it is being mixed into the illicit drug supply without users' knowledge and is currently undetectable by fentanyl testing strips. Authorities have noted that cychlorphine can appear in various forms, including liquids, powders, rocks or crystals, and counterfeit pills designed to resemble prescription medications.
In response to the growing threat, the Drug Enforcement Administration classified cychlorphine as a Schedule I drug in August 2026, making its possession and sale illegal.
To mitigate the risks associated with potent synthetic opioids, health officials are advising the public to avoid using drugs alone, refrain from mixing substances, and to carry naloxone, a life-saving medication capable of reversing opioid overdoses and restoring breathing.