synthetic opioids

Carfentanil Detected in Counterfeit Tablets and Powders: What the Substance Use Workforce Should Know

Community update
A new health alert reports carfentanil in counterfeit “M30” tablets and powders seized at the United States Southwest border. Carfentanil is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, and some tablets contained it without any fentanyl. The findings highlight how the appearance of an illicit tablet or powder cannot reliably indicate its contents or strength. Prevention, treatment and recovery professionals should reinforce overdose awareness, naloxone access and timely connections to care. Law enforcement, laboratories and public health partners should follow safe handling protocols, test comprehensively and share emerging drug market information quickly.
CFSRE NPS Discovery programme April 2026 Synthetic Opioid Alert

UNODC Current NPS Threats

Report
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The UNODC Early Warning Advisory highlights a continued global expansion of new psychoactive substances (NPS), with nearly 1,400 substances reported worldwide. In 2024 alone, a record number of substances were identified, including over 100...
UNOPS

Fentanyl DrugFacts

Guide
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally. Like morphine, it is a medicine that is typically used to treat patients...

Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids Drug Overdose Deaths

Website
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A infographic resource from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) exploring the drug related death statistics relating to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids reported in the United States. With nearly 50% of opioid related deaths...