CFSRE Alert: Cychlorphine Found in 8 US States and 3 Canadian Provinces
Key Takeaways
- 25 blood specimens from fatal overdoses identified by CFSRE
- 100+ toxicology cases at NMS Labs
- Detected in 8 US states and 3 Canadian provinces
- Sole opioid in 11 of 25 cases - rest mixed with fentanyl, meth, or other drugs
- DEA identified cychlorphine in 22 drug seizure samples by February 2026
The CFSRE Investigation
On January 30, 2026, the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) issued a formal public alert on increasing fatal overdoses linked to N-Propionitrile chlorphine (cychlorphine). Their analysis identified the substance in 25 blood specimens from fatal overdose cases, with the vast majority submitted in late 2025 and early 2026.
What the Data Shows
Cychlorphine was the sole opioid in 11 of the 25 CFSRE cases. In the remaining cases, it appeared alongside other substances including fentanyl, oxycodone, methamphetamine, cocaine, novel benzodiazepines (phenazolam), other orphine analogues (spirochlorphine), nitazene analogues, and even carfentanil.
The presence of multiple potent opioids in single samples - sometimes called "opioid stacking" - dramatically increases fatal overdose risk and reduces the chance that standard naloxone doses will work.
Geographic Spread
Specimens came from 8 US states and 3 Canadian provinces. In Toronto, the Toronto Drug Checking Service identified cychlorphine in the city's unregulated drug supply in November 2025. The Colombo Plan and UNODC issued international alerts on orphine analogues in February 2026.
DEA Response
Through the end of February 2026, DEA laboratories identified cychlorphine in 22 drug seizure samples nationwide. The DEA first reported N-Propionitrile chlorphine in the United States through a Florida laboratory in April 2024.
Sources
- CFSRE Public Alert (January 30, 2026)
- DEA Laboratory reports (February 2026)
- UNODC Alert on orphine analogues (February 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states have detected cychlorphine?
At least 8 US states and 3 Canadian provinces as of early 2026, based on CFSRE analysis of 25 fatal overdose blood specimens and 100+ NMS Labs toxicology cases.
Is cychlorphine always mixed with other drugs?
Not always. In 11 of 25 CFSRE cases, cychlorphine was the sole opioid detected. In the remaining cases, it appeared alongside fentanyl, meth, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and other synthetic opioids.