Top Compounds Detected from Samples Collected in February 2024
Total number of samples tested: 182
1. Fentanyl (54%)
2. Xylazine (34%)
3. 4-ANPP (24%)
4. Cocaine (23%)
5. Quinine (21%)
6. Methamphetamine (20%)
7. Caffeine (10%)
8. Mannitol (7%)
9. Acetaminophen (5%)
10. Phenethyl 4-ANPP (5%)
Numbers in parentheses are the percentage of samples containing the listed compound.
Samples analyzed and included in this count are voluntary samples collected and provided by public health and harm reduction agencies from across the country. The trends observed in these samples may not be representative of broader trends within the United States drug supply. All testing was qualitative in nature. Testing of salt form or determination of salt versus free base was not completed.
Recent Trends and New Compounds
Below are several graphs depicting trends from samples received over the past three or six months. In the top graph, drug class and select individual compound prevalence are presented. Note that in many instances there are multiple compounds identified in a single sample. Counts and percentages are preliminary and based on samples received by the date this newsletter is released.
The center left graph presents co-detection of fentanyl and xylazine. Of the samples analyzed in February 2024 where fentanyl and/or xylazine were detected, both compounds were found in 51% of samples. Xylazine without fentanyl was detected in 10% of samples. Fentanyl without xylazine was detected in 39% of samples. These trends are nearly identical to those observed last month.
The center right graph shows co-detection of fentanyl with amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and nitazenes over the last three months. Note that many of the samples tested are used syringes where co-use of compounds cannot be ruled out, possibly inflating these values.
The bottom graph is a breakdown of the types of paraphernalia that were sampled and analyzed in February 2024, when reported. Used syringes accounted for approximately 32% of all samples and 50% of samples where the paraphernalia type was known.
 In February 2024, four compounds were detected for the first time in RaDAR samples and the continual observance of a compound first identified in January 2024 is also highlighted. Note that compounds discussed here are those that have been newly detected in RaDAR samples. This does not mean that it is the first identification of the compound in the illicit drug supply.
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1-Phenethylpiperidin-4-ol was detected in several samples from both the West Coast and East Coast starting January 2024 and continuing into February. All samples also contained fentanyl and 4-ANPP. This compound may be a precursor or byproduct of fentanyl synthesis. |
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N-Pyrrolidino etonitazene, a synthetic opioid, was detected in a single East Coast sample that also contained xylazine. Fentanyl was not detected in this sample.
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Fluoroacetyl fentanyl was detected in a single East Coast sample that also contained fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, acetaminophen, and a number of fentanyl precursors. The positional isomer of fluoroacetyl fentanyl was not determined. (The para- isomer is shown.) |
A combination of the synthetic opioids isotonitazene and metonitazene along with the benzodiazepine bromazolam was found in an East Coast sample collected from plant material. Nicotine was also detected in this sample. (Structure of isotonitazene, the major component in the sample, shown.) |
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Chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug, was identified in multiple East Coast samples that also contained fentanyl and quinine. |
RaDAR in the News
We Need Comprehensive Illicit Drug Analysis Now to Stop Overdose Deaths
"The devastating, drug overdose epidemic in the U.S. killed over 105,000 people last year, most from the synthetic opioid fentanyl. But while fentanyl has dominated the headlines, talk in public health circles has shifted to a new illicit drug on the street: xylazine..." Read More.
Recent Publications
An Analytical Platform for Near Real-Time Drug Landscape Monitoring Using Paraphernalia Residues
Deaths attributed to drug overdoses are constantly on the rise, but drug trends are frequently changing and often differ across geographical regions. Current analytical techniques are limited in their abilities to rapidly identify drugs that would inform both public health and law enforcement officials about the evolving drug landscape. Read More.
Rapid Analysis of Drugs: A Pilot Surveillance System To Detect Changes in the Illicit Drug Supply To Guide Timely Harm Reduction Responses — Eight Syringe Services Programs, MD, November 2021–August 2022
A record number of 2,912 drug overdose deaths occurred in Maryland during the 12-month period July 1, 2020–June 30, 2021. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, or both* were involved in 84% of these deaths.† Timely identification of illicit drug market changes (e.g., fentanyl rapidly replacing heroin) could improve the public health response, specifically communications about risks for novel psychoactive substances. Read More.
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