Two Young Men Die from Street Drug That’s 43 Times Stronger than Fentanyl. It’s Taking Hold in the U.S.

**New Deadly Drug Found in U.S.: 43 Times Stronger than Fentanyl**

A potent new drug, 43 times stronger than fentanyl and 250 times more potent than heroin, has caused numerous deaths in the UK and is now making its way into the United States. Nitazenes, a synthetic opioid, have claimed the lives of two young men in Texas who unknowingly ingested pills containing this deadly substance. This alarming development has prompted experts to issue warnings about the dangers associated with nitazenes, which can be easily disguised in other drugs, posing a significant threat to public health.

The two tragic deaths in Texas have shed light on the emergence of nitazenes in the U.S. In one instance, 22-year-old Lucci Reyes-McCallister lost his life after consuming a pill he believed to be Xanax, tainted with nitazene. Similarly, 21-year-old Hunter Clement passed away after taking what he thought was a Percocet, unaware that it contained a lethal dose of the synthetic opioid. Despite efforts to revive the victims with Narcan, a medication used to counteract narcotic overdoses, the potency of nitazenes rendered the treatment ineffective.

The ease of smuggling small quantities of potent drugs like fentanyl and nitazenes has contributed to their proliferation in the illicit drug market. By mixing these substances with common additives like caffeine and paracetamol, drug traffickers can boost the potency of their products and maximize profits. This dangerous trend has led to a rise in fatal overdoses attributed to nitazenes, with at least 400 deaths reported in the UK alone.

The recent arrest of an individual in Sydney for selling vapes infused with nitazenes underscores the versatility of this deadly drug. While nitazenes are commonly found mixed in pills and powders, authorities have identified 17 different strains circulating in the U.S., posing a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies. Despite not being included in routine drug testing protocols, research from 2022 has linked nitazenes to numerous fatalities, with certain strains being significantly more potent than fentanyl.

The devastating impact of nitazenes on families like those of Lucci Reyes-McCallister and Hunter Clement highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and preventative measures. Lucci’s mother, Grey McCallister, who lost her son to a pill laced with nitazene, expressed shock at the unfamiliarity of this potent substance. Ruthi Clement, the mother of Hunter, is determined to share her son’s story in the hope of preventing similar tragedies and raising awareness about the dangers posed by nitazenes.

As the prevalence of synthetic opioids continues to pose a grave threat to public health, it is imperative for communities to remain vigilant and informed about the risks associated with these potent substances. The deadly consequences of nitazenes serve as a stark reminder of the importance of robust drug education, harm reduction strategies, and targeted interventions to combat the spread of dangerous drugs in the U.S. Only through collective action and proactive measures can we hope to prevent further loss of life and protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to the grips of addiction.