The Rise of Pyro: A New Dangerous Synthetic Opioid Emerges in East Texas

In a shocking turn of events, a 16-year-old girl in Hopkins County, Texas, recently overdosed on a new synthetic opioid known as N-Pyrrolidino Protonitazene, or pyro. According to Hopkins County Investigator Sgt. Michael Russell, this drug is now being touted as more potent than fentanyl, making it a deadly addition to the already dangerous opioid crisis.

The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office has identified three suspects believed to be responsible for the teen’s tragic overdose. What was initially thought to be a fentanyl overdose turned out to be something far more potent and lethal.

A toxicology report revealed traces of pyro in the girl’s bloodstream. Pyro is a type of nitazene, a powerful synthetic opioid that comes in pill form, often resembling the size of an aspirin. Sgt. Russell mentioned that these drugs often originate from overseas, particularly China.

What makes pyro particularly dangerous is that it seems resistant to the effects of Narcan, a nasal spray commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses. Even a single pill of pyro can be fatal, making it imperative for law enforcement and the community to raise awareness about the dangers of these potent drugs.

In January, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration highlighted nitazenes as an emerging threat due to their heightened potency compared to fentanyl. It remains unclear if anyone else had access to pyro from the three suspects identified in this case.

Sgt. Russell emphasized the unpredictability of these synthetic opioids, urging individuals to steer clear of substances like fentanyl and pyro. The allure of these drugs is a fatal gamble, as one never truly knows what they’re ingesting.

The emergence of pyro in East Texas serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against synthetic opioids and the urgent need for heightened vigilance in combating this deadly epidemic.