Sean Cate

Sean Cate

August 7, 2024

Drug With Potency 50x That of Fentanyl Discovered in Florida

A recent discovery in Palm Beach County, Florida, has shocked the community and North America. A synthetic opioid, N-Desethyl Isotonitazene (ISO), with a potency 50 times greater than fentanyl, has been uncovered by local police. This alarming find highlights the ongoing and escalating opioid crisis, which continues to claim lives across the United States.

Discovery of ISO

West Palm Beach police confiscated $1.6 million worth of N-Desethyl Isotonitazene - known as ISO - during a raid
Credit: WPBF

The West Palm Beach Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit seized 20 kilograms of ISO during a search warrant on a house and storage unit. This operation, initiated by a tip received in February, led to the arrest of an individual involved in the distribution of the potent drug. The estimated street value of the seized ISO is approximately $1.6 million.1

Read More: Two Popular Classes of Drugs Linked to Higher Dementia Risk and Memory Problems, Possible Alternatives

The Potency and Danger of ISO

Lt. Joe Herb (pictured) said the drug tested 50 times more potent than normal fentanyl and he has never seen anything like it in his 34 years as a narcotics officer
Credit: WBPF

ISO is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times more potent than prescription-grade fentanyl. This extreme potency makes it incredibly dangerous, with a high risk of overdose even in tiny amounts. The drug was being distributed in forms mimicking other narcotics like OxyContin and Percocet, increasing the risk of accidental overdoses among unsuspecting users.

Lieutenant Joe Herb of the West Palm Beach Police expressed his concerns, stating, “This is scary. I’ve been a police officer for 34 years. I’ve been doing narcotics pretty much my entire career. This is scary.” He emphasized the severe health risks associated with handling or accidentally ingesting ISO.2

The Broader Opioid Crisis

assortment of syringes
Credit: Pixabay

The discovery of ISO comes amid a broader opioid crisis in the United States. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl responsible for 70% of these fatalities. The emergence of ISO, even more potent than fentanyl, raises significant public health concerns.

Medical Insights

Doctors said that ISO is a different compound than fentanyl, but both substances being found in other illegal drugs is concerning
Credit: WBPF

Medical experts have highlighted the severe risks associated with ISO. Dr. Pedram Rad, an internal medicine physician, noted that ISO is a different compound from fentanyl but shares its high potency and danger. He explained that ISO was initially developed as a pain medication but was never approved by the FDA in the United States.

Dr. Olayemi Osiyemi, an infectious disease doctor, warned about the drug’s potential to cause rapid and fatal overdoses. “They have the potential to slow down the heart and respiration and can cause brain damage or people can die from it,” he said, stressing the importance of immediate medical intervention for those exposed to ISO.

Read More: Deadly drug called “gray death” found; officials say just touching it could kill you

Preventative Measures and Recommendations

ambulance on the road
Credit: Pixabay

Given the deadly nature of ISO, health authorities recommend keeping NARCAN (naloxone) on hand to counteract potential overdoses. Immediate medical attention is crucial for anyone suspected of ingesting ISO.

Conclusion

Authorities discovered the deadly drug in powder, pill and brick form while executing search warrants on a home and a storage unit earlier in July
Credit WBPF

The discovery of ISO in Florida underscores the evolving and escalating nature of the opioid crisis. With synthetic opioids becoming increasingly potent, the risks to public health are profound. Law enforcement and medical communities must remain vigilant and proactive in combating this deadly threat.

Read More: New Drug Fights Signs of Aging and Extends Life Span By 25% In Mice, Study

Sources

  1. Drug 50 Times More Powerful Than Fentanyl Discovered in Florida.” Newsweek. Kaitlin Lewis. July 18, 2024.
  2. Synthetic opioid 50 times more powerful than fentanyl is discovered in Florida.” Daily Mail. Rachel Bowman. July 22, 2024.