(April 24, 2026) – The Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area publishes "Hot Sheets" on its website to provide information on changes in drug trends and to educate and warn about newly identified substances and their public health threats. Two new hot sheets are available –
Nitazenes and
5-Fluoro-ADB. Nitazenes are a group of synthetic opioids that are lab-made and can be hundreds or even thousands of times stronger than morphine or fentanyl, making overdose possible even with very small amounts. Clinical data show that overdoses involving novel potent opioids like nitazenes often require higher or repeated naloxone dosing compared with fentanyl-only overdoses, suggesting very strong receptor activation and persistent effects. Naloxone still works for nitazene overdose. To learn more about the effects of nitazene, its overdose risk and reversal, check out the
Nitazene Hot Sheet by Midwest HIDTA. 5-Fluoro-ADB is a synthetic cannabinoid that is almost 290 times more potent than tetrahydrocannabinol, making it one of the most dangerous synthetic cannabinoids currently available through illicit online sources and local dealers. 5F-ADB has been linked to severe health consequences across multiple countries. It is available in the U.S. via illegal markets that apply 5F-ADB to products distributed at convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops under names such as "Spice," "K2," "potpourri," and others. 5F-ADB intoxication can be severe, far exceeding that of natural cannabis, and can be fatal. For more information on 5F-ADB, see the
5-Fluoro-ADB Hot Sheet by Midwest HIDTA.
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Karen Braman