COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) has issued two urgent public safety bulletins warning residents, first responders, and healthcare workers about the emergence of highly dangerous synthetic substances infiltrating the state’s illicit drug supply.
State officials warn that these contaminants, which include powerful new synthetic opioids and unapproved veterinary sedatives, drastically elevate the risk of severe, potentially fatal overdoses.
The Rise of “Orphines”
The first alert targets a sub-group of new synthetic opioids (NSOs) known as orphine analogs. Recently detected in seized drug samples and suspected overdose cases across Ohio, these lab-made chemicals are designed to mimic the effects of traditional opioids like fentanyl and morphine. Because of their extreme potency, NSOs can rapidly suppress the central nervous system and disrupt breathing, making them exceptionally lethal.
Dangerous Veterinary Sedatives
The second bulletin focuses on medetomidine and xylazine—two synthetic veterinary sedatives that have become increasingly prevalent in Ohio’s narcotics supply. These substances are strictly unapproved for human use. When consumed, they cause severe sedation and life-threatening drops in heart rate and blood pressure, significantly complicating emergency medical responses during an overdose.
Officials emphasized that the current drug landscape is highly unpredictable, frequently featuring complex, multi-drug mixtures.
“People may think they are taking one substance, when it could be something else entirely, something much more dangerous and potentially fatal,” said Cynthia Peterman, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Peterman noted that the bulletins are intended to ensure community partners and first responders are fully informed and prepared for potential exposures.
Emergency Response and Naloxone
Public health officials stress that despite the presence of non-opioid sedatives like xylazine, naloxone (Narcan) remains a critical, safe, and lifesaving tool. If an overdose is suspected, witnesses are urged to immediately take the following steps:
- Call 911 right away.
- Administer naloxone immediately.
- Stay with the individual until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Officials note that because of the complex drug mixtures currently in circulation, an individual may still show signs of heavy intoxication or sedation even after naloxone successfully restores their breathing. For more information on obtaining and using the opioid-reversal medication, residents can visit naloxone.ohio.gov.
About the ONIC
Established by an executive order from Governor Mike DeWine in July 2019, the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center operates as a specialized division within the Ohio Department of Public Safety. With offices in Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, and Cincinnati, ONIC employs criminal intelligence analysts and computer forensic specialists to provide analytical and digital support to local law enforcement agencies targeting drug trafficking networks throughout the state.
