Oklahoma Warns of New Deadly Synthetic Opioid

Cychlorphine, up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl, linked to overdose death in Yukon

Mar. 26, 2026 at 3:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) is warning the public about a new and extremely potent synthetic opioid called Cychlorphine that has been confirmed in Oklahoma and linked to at least one overdose death. Cychlorphine can be up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl, and Naloxone may not be effective in reversing an overdose from this drug.

Why it matters

The emergence of Cychlorphine is the latest example of the growing threat of powerful synthetic opioids that have been infiltrating the drug market in Oklahoma and across the United States. These drugs are often disguised to look like legitimate pharmaceuticals, putting users at grave risk of overdose.

The details

Cychlorphine, also known as N-Propionitrile chlorphine, has been found in Oklahoma and linked to the overdose death of an 18-year-old from Yukon. The drug is believed to be sourced from Europe and Asia, and criminal manufacturers often press it into pills that resemble legitimate pharmaceuticals or Ecstasy tablets. Cychlorphine is just one of many variations of synthetic opioids that have emerged in recent years, as drug makers constantly modify formulas to increase potency and evade new laws.

  • Cychlorphine began emerging in the United States in late 2024.
  • The 18-year-old overdose death linked to Cychlorphine occurred in Oklahoma.

The players

Donnie Anderson

Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN).

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN)

The state agency responsible for enforcing drug laws and investigating drug-related crimes in Oklahoma.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Cychlorphine can be up to ten times stronger than Fentanyl. Though it is a synthetic opioid, this drug is extremely powerful, and Naloxone may not be effective in reversing an overdose. At the very least, it might take multiple doses to bring someone back from an overdose.”

— Donnie Anderson, Director, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics

“With so many new and powerful drugs surfacing every day, there has never been a more dangerous time in our culture to be a recreational drug user. People don't know what they are buying and they put their very lives at risk every time they use.”

— Donnie Anderson, Director, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics

What’s next

The OBN is working with the State Board of Pharmacy and the Oklahoma legislature to ban Cychlorphine and educate the public about the constant emergence of potentially deadly synthetic drugs.

The takeaway

The discovery of Cychlorphine in Oklahoma highlights the growing threat of powerful synthetic opioids that are being disguised to look like legitimate drugs, putting users at grave risk of overdose. This case underscores the need for continued vigilance, education, and legislative action to address the evolving drug crisis.