A dangerous lab‑made opioid has slinked into SC, and officials say even trace exposure may be deadly
COLUMBIA, SC — South Carolina’s Attorney General is warning the public and law enforcement about a newly identified synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, after the drug was recently detected in the state.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, cychlorphine is part of a growing class of highly potent synthetic opioids often produced overseas and trafficked into the United States. Officials say these substances are frequently mixed into other drugs without the user’s knowledge, increasing the risk of overdose or death.
Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following statement:
“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.”
State officials say cychlorphine’s evolving chemical structure makes it difficult for traditional detection methods to identify, and even trace exposure may be dangerous.
What the Public Should Know About Identification
At this time, no reliable public information exists about what cychlorphine looks like, how it is being packaged, or what street names it may be sold under. Early in the emergence of a new synthetic opioid, traffickers often alter the chemical makeup and appearance, making it difficult for labs and law enforcement to establish consistent identifiers.
Based on patterns seen with similar synthetic opioids:
• New drugs often do not have a consistent street name when they first appear.
• They may be found as white or off‑white powders or pressed into counterfeit pills designed to mimic legitimate medications.
• Users typically do not know the substance contains a synthetic opioid.
• These drugs are frequently mixed into heroin, cocaine, counterfeit pills, or other powders without disclosure.
Because of these uncertainties, officials stress that there is currently no safe or reliable way for the public to visually identify cychlorphine.
Recommended Precautions
The Attorney General’s Office urges residents to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their families:
• Avoid any unknown or illicit substances
• Parents: talk with children and teens about the risks of synthetic drugs
• Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement
• Seek help immediately if you or someone you know is struggling with substance use
Law enforcement and first responders are also being advised to use heightened caution due to the potential risks of incidental exposure.
The Attorney General’s Office says it will continue coordinating with state, local, and federal partners to disrupt trafficking networks and keep these substances out of South Carolina communities.
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