03/25/2026
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is issuing this alert to the community regarding the emergence of Cychlorphine (also known as N-Propionitrile Chlorphine), a synthetic opioid significantly more powerful than fentanyl. Recently detected in major regional hubs, including Chicago, this substance has been linked to a rising number of fatal overdoses across the Midwest, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Why This is a Threat
Cychlorphine is a "designer drug" that presents unique challenges for families, first responders, and medical professionals:
Extreme Potency: Preliminary data indicate Cychlorphine is approximately 10 times more potent than fentanyl. Even a microscopic amount, smaller than a grain of salt, can be immediately fatal.
Invisible to Test Strips: Unlike many other synthetic drugs, Cychlorphine will not trigger a positive result on standard fentanyl test strips. Users and families may believe a substance is "safe" from fentanyl, while it contains this even more lethal additive.
Naloxone (Narcan) Resistance: Due to the way this drug binds to the brain, a single dose of Narcan may not be enough to reverse an overdose. Multiple doses are often required to save a life.
What to Look For -
Cychlorphine is often hidden in the illicit drug supply and may appear as:
Powder: Typically off-white, grey, or tan.
Counterfeit Pills: Frequently pressed to look like legitimate prescription medications, such as Oxycodone (M30 pills) or Hydromorphone.
Adulterant: It is commonly mixed into other drugs like he**in, methamphetamine, or "Tranq" (Xylazine) without the user’s knowledge.
Safety Recommendations -
One Pill Can Kill: Never consume any medication that was not prescribed specifically for you by a licensed physician and dispensed by a legitimate pharmacy.
Carry Narcan: Despite its potency, Naloxone is still the primary tool for reversing an overdose. If you suspect an overdose, administer Narcan immediately and call 911.
Be Prepared for Multiple Doses: If the individual does not respond to the first dose of Narcan, continue administering additional doses every 2-3 minutes until emergency personnel arrive.
"We are in the direct pipeline between Chicago and Louisville, while not everything that happens in those places happens here, we should be aware of this potential threat. We are sharing this information now to ensure our citizens, hospitals, and first responders are prepared for this high-potency threat." - Sheriff Kerry Forestal
