On July 17, 2024, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office began a death investigation following the overdose of a 16-year-old female. An autopsy and toxicology report were requested as part of the inquiry. The toxicology results revealed the presence of N-Pyrrolidino Protonitazene, a new synthetic opioid, in the victim’s bloodstream. This drug is reported to be 25 times more potent than fentanyl.
N-Pyrrolidino Protonitazene, also known as Protonitazepyne, is a nitazene analogue. Nitazene analogues are a class of synthetic opioids that can be up to 40 times more potent than fentanyl and up to 500 times more potent than morphine. Most of these substances retain opioid receptor activity.
Since its first report by the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE) in January 2023, N-Pyrrolidino Protonitazene has been confirmed in 20 forensic toxicology cases across seven U.S. states: Maine, Massachusetts, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Wyoming, and California. The drug has also been linked to four overdose deaths in the U.K. and is reported in Australia as a yellow powder sold as ketamine.
The CFSRE has noted that N-Pyrrolidino Protonitazene is often found in combination with other substances, including novel psychoactive substances, quinine, other nitazene analogues, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, xylazine, and NPS benzodiazepines. The drug’s high potency and association with recent overdoses highlight its significant public health risk.
Sheriff Lewis Tatum emphasized, "I would like to remind the community, any illicit pill you take can kill you."
During the investigation, three suspects have been identified as those who supplied the victim with the fatal pills. The investigation remains ongoing.
