South Carolina Officials Warn of Deadly New Synthetic Opioid

Cychlorphine, 40 times more potent than fentanyl, linked to overdoses across the state

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:54pm

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A glowing neon outline of a human figure in a contorted, agonized pose, representing the physical and psychological toll of opioid addiction, set against a dark background to emphasize the dangerous, high-energy nature of the new synthetic drug cychlorphine.The alarming rise of cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid 40 times more potent than fentanyl, underscores the urgent need to address the nation's worsening overdose crisis.Pickens Today

Health officials in Pickens County, South Carolina are warning the public about a new synthetic opioid called cychlorphine that is reportedly 40 times more potent than fentanyl. The drug is being linked to overdoses across the state, and authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution and for law enforcement to take heightened safety precautions.

Why it matters

The emergence of cychlorphine, an even more dangerous synthetic opioid than fentanyl, highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the threat posed by illicit drug manufacturing and distribution by foreign cartels. This potent new substance significantly increases the risk of overdose and death, requiring urgent public awareness and response.

The details

According to the South Carolina Attorney General, cychlorphine is a powerful synthetic opioid that is being mixed into other substances without users' knowledge, making any drug use a potentially deadly gamble. The drug is reportedly up to 40 times more potent than fentanyl, which itself is an extremely dangerous opioid. While the overdose-reversing drug Narcan can be used, the extreme potency of cychlorphine may require multiple doses to be effective.

  • The Pickens County Behavioral Health Services issued the warning about cychlorphine on April 8, 2026.

The players

Pickens County Behavioral Health Services

A local health organization in Pickens County, South Carolina that issued the warning about the new synthetic opioid cychlorphine.

Alan Wilson

The Attorney General of South Carolina who is urging residents to take precautions and law enforcement to exercise heightened safety measures due to the threat of cychlorphine.

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What they’re saying

“This is poison, plain and simple. We are seeing foreign adversaries and drug cartels working together to flood our communities with these deadly substances. They don't care who they kill. Their goal is profit, and the cost is American lives. Parents need to understand how serious this is and talk to their kids now, because one mistake, one exposure, can be fatal. We will use every tool at our disposal to stop this and protect South Carolina families.”

— Alan Wilson, Attorney General of South Carolina

What’s next

Attorney General Wilson is asking South Carolina residents to take immediate precautions, including learning how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and having the overdose-reversing drug Narcan on hand. He is also urging law enforcement and first responders to exercise heightened caution when dealing with any suspected opioid-related incidents.

The takeaway

The emergence of cychlorphine, an even more potent synthetic opioid than fentanyl, underscores the ongoing opioid crisis and the need for urgent public awareness, education, and a multi-pronged approach to combat the threat of these deadly substances infiltrating communities across South Carolina and the nation.