A shocking discovery in Palm Beach County, Florida has stunned the local community and North America. Law enforcement uncovered a synthetic opioid known as N-Desethyl Isotonitazene (ISO), which is 50 times more potent than fentanyl. This alarming find sheds light on the escalating opioid crisis that continues to claim lives in the United States.
Discovery of ISO
The West Palm Beach Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit seized 20 kilograms of ISO during a search warrant on a house and storage unit. Acting on a tip received in February, this operation led to the arrest of an individual involved in distributing the potent drug. The street value of the seized ISO is estimated to be around $1.6 million.1
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The Potency and Danger of ISO
ISO is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times more potent than prescription-grade fentanyl. This extreme potency makes it incredibly dangerous, with a high risk of overdose even in tiny amounts. The drug was being distributed in forms mimicking other narcotics like OxyContin and Percocet, increasing the risk of accidental overdoses among unsuspecting users.
Lieutenant Joe Herb of the West Palm Beach Police expressed his concerns, stating, “This is scary. I’ve been a police officer for 34 years. I’ve been doing narcotics pretty much my entire career. This is scary. He emphasized the severe health risks associated with handling or accidentally ingesting ISO.2
The Broader Opioid Crisis
The discovery of ISO comes amid a broader opioid crisis in the United States. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl responsible for 70% of these fatalities. The emergence of ISO, even more potent than fentanyl, raises significant public health concerns.
Medical Insights
Medical experts have highlighted the severe risks associated with ISO. Dr. Pedram Rad, an internal medicine physician, noted that ISO is a different compound from fentanyl but shares its high potency and danger. He explained that ISO was initially developed as a pain medication but was never approved by the FDA in the United States.
Dr. Olayemi Osiyemi, an infectious disease doctor, warned about the drug’s potential to cause rapid and fatal overdoses. “They have the potential to slow down the heart and respiration and can cause brain damage or people can die from it,” he said, stressing the importance of immediate medical intervention for those exposed to ISO.
Preventative Measures and Recommendations
Given the deadly nature of ISO, health authorities recommend keeping NARCAN (naloxone) on hand to counteract potential overdoses. Immediate medical attention is crucial for anyone suspected of ingesting ISO.
Conclusion
The discovery of ISO in Florida underscores the evolving and escalating nature of the opioid crisis. With synthetic opioids becoming increasingly potent, the risks to public health are profound. Law enforcement and medical communities must remain vigilant and proactive in combating this deadly threat.
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Sources
- “Drug 50 Times More Powerful Than Fentanyl Discovered in Florida.” Newsweek. Kaitlin Lewis. July 18, 2024.
- “Synthetic opioid 50 times more powerful than fentanyl is discovered in Florida.” Daily Mail. Rachel Bowman. July 22, 2024.
