Deadly New Opioid “Nitazenes” Creeps into U.S. Streets, Posing Extreme Risk
A powerful new opioid is quietly spreading across the United States, appearing in pills, powders, and even vapes, and experts warn that even a tiny exposure can be fatal. Known as nitazenes, these synthetic opioids surpass fentanyl in potency, yet remain largely unknown to the public and often escape detection in routine drug tests.
Already responsible for fatalities abroad, nitazenes have now claimed the lives of two young men in Texas, prompting urgent questions about how this potent substance entered the U.S. market and how many more could fall victim before authorities respond.
A Lethal Threat
Nitazenes are not just another opioid—they are staggering in their strength. Some strains are up to 43 times more powerful than fentanyl and 250 times stronger than heroin. Produced primarily in China, nitazenes are often blended into heroin and counterfeit pills to boost potency and profits, similar to how fentanyl is trafficked. Even the smallest dose can be deadly; in the U.K., nitazenes have contributed to at least 400 fatalities.
The U.S. is now seeing the first signs of a domestic crisis. In January, 22-year-old Lucci Reyes-McCallister from Houston died after taking a pill he believed was Xanax, which later tested positive for a nitazene variant.
Just three months later, 21-year-old Hunter Clement, a friend of Lucci, died after ingesting what he thought was a Percocet. Emergency administration of Narcan—commonly effective against other opioid overdoses—was unsuccessful, illustrating the extreme potency of nitazenes and their resistance to standard overdose treatments.
How Nitazenes Spread
The rise of highly potent opioids like nitazenes is partially fueled by smuggling efficiencies. Their extreme strength allows traffickers to transport smaller quantities while maintaining lethal effects. U.K. National Crime Agency Deputy Director Charles Yates explained, “They buy potent nitazenes cheaply and mix them with fillers like caffeine and paracetamol to bulk up the product and maximize profits.”
Nitazenes are appearing in unconventional forms as well. On August 5, authorities in Sydney arrested a man for selling vapes infused with the drug, highlighting how delivery methods are evolving.
According to the DEA’s 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment, 17 distinct nitazene strains have been identified in the U.S., with some linked to dozens of deaths. N-pyrrolidino etonitazenes rank as the most potent, while the N-pyrrolidino protonitazene variant—responsible for Lucci’s death—is roughly 25 times stronger than fentanyl.
Families Speak Out
For families, the devastation is immediate and personal. Grey McCallister had never heard of nitazenes before losing her son Lucci, while Ruthi Clement continues to raise awareness after Hunter’s death. “Sometimes I get mad because I couldn’t save my own son,” she said. “But if speaking out saves even one life, it’s worth it.”
Conclusion
The appearance of nitazenes in the U.S. marks a perilous new phase in the opioid crisis. These synthetic opioids, far stronger than fentanyl or heroin, carry unprecedented risks due to their potency and stealth. The tragic losses of Lucci Reyes-McCallister and Hunter Clement highlight that even a single pill can be deadly. Public education, vigilant monitoring, and rapid-response medical strategies are essential to curb the threat before more lives are lost. Families’ advocacy underscores the urgent need for awareness—because knowledge may be the only defense against this silent killer.