Top Compounds Detected Within Samples Collected in August 2024
Total number of samples tested: 911
1. Methamphetamine (42%)
2. Fentanyl (38%)
3. 4-ANPP (16%)
4. Acetaminophen (16%)
5. Cocaine (15%)
6. Lidocaine (12%)
7. Tetracaine (9%)
8. Caffeine (8%)
9. Xylazine (7%)
10. Medetomidine (7%)
Top Compounds Detected Within Samples Collected in July 2024 (West Coast and East Coast)
|
West Coast (n=618)
|
East Coast (n=290)
|
|
1. Methamphetamine (55%)
|
1. Fentanyl (59%)
|
|
2. Fentanyl (29%)
|
2. Cocaine (31%)
|
|
3. Acetaminophen (18%)
|
3. Tetracaine (29%)
|
|
4. 4-ANPP (14%)
|
4. Medetomidine (22%)
|
|
5. Lidocaine (12%)
|
5. 4-ANPP (20%)
|
|
6. BTMPS* (8%)
|
6. Caffeine (18%)
|
|
7. Fluorofentanyl (8%)
|
7. Quinine (16%)
|
|
8. Cocaine (7%)
|
8. Xylazine (14%)
|
|
9. Caffeine (6%)
|
9. Methamphetamine (14%)
|
|
10. Despropionyl Fluorofentanyl (6%)
|
10. Lidocaine (12%)
|
*BTMPS - Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate
Numbers in parentheses are percentages of samples containing the listed compound, excluding samples where no compounds were detected.
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. For August 2024, the total results (grey bar) are also broken out into West coast (yellow bar) and East coast (pink bar). 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. Data from prior months has been updated with results from any additional samples received.
The center left graph presents co-detection of fentanyl and xylazine. Of the samples collected in August 2024 where fentanyl and/or xylazine were detected, both compounds were found in 16% of samples. Xylazine without fentanyl was detected in 3% of samples. Fentanyl without xylazine was detected in 81% of samples. The number of samples where fentanyl was detected without xylazine was higher than the previous month. Differences between West coast and East coast samples are shown on the right side of the graph.
The center right graph shows co-detection of fentanyl with amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and nitazenes over the last three months. For August 2024, the total results (grey bar) are also broken out into West coast (yellow bar) and East coast (pink bar). 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 August 2024, when reported. Used syringes accounted for approximately 43% of all samples and 46% of samples where the paraphernalia type was known.
 In August 2024, two compounds were detected for the first time in RaDAR samples. 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.
Bupivacaine, a local anesthetic, has been found in multiple East Coast samples that also contained fentanyl and medetomidine.
|
 |
|
N,N-Dimethylpentylone, a synthetic cathinone, was found in a set of East Coast samples that also contained acetaminophen and fentanyl. |
There is a continued prevalence of medetomidine and tetracaine in East coast samples also containing fentanyl. The combination of medetomidine and tetracaine was found in greater than 25% of fentanyl samples in multiple East coast states in August 2024.
There has also been an increase in BTMPS (Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate) in fentanyl samples across the country. In August 2024, BTMPS was present in 6% of all samples and approximately 15% of samples containing fentanyl. BTMPS has been detected in fentanyl in eight different states providing samples.
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
Drug Detection, Analysis, and Monitoring Workshop Report
This report is a summary of a workshop convened to capture the analytical and data challenges inherent to the detection, identification, and monitoring of illicit drugs in the United States – specifically highlighting current practices, challenges, and opportunities for growth within communities. It systematically examines each stage of the analytical and data workflow, from sample recognition and collection to data dissemination, outlining opportunities to improve existing procedures and technologies. Read More.
The Detection of Xylazine in Tijuana, Mexico: Triangulating Drug Checking and Clinical Urine Testing Data
Xylazine is a veterinary anesthetic increasingly present alongside illicit fentanyl in the US and Canada, presenting novel health risks. Although xylazine remains less common in the Western US, Mexican border cities serve as key trafficking hubs and may have higher prevalence of novel substances, but surveillance has been limited. Read More.
Beyond Fentanyl Test Strips: Investigating Other Urine Drug Test Strips for Drug Checking Applications
Use of immunoassay test strips for the detection of fentanyl in drug samples has become increasingly commonplace in harm reduction, law enforcement, public health, customs, and forensic science settings. With the increase of xylazine in the drug supply in recent years, use of xylazine test strips has also begun to take root. As adoption and implementation of this tool continues, a desire to implement test strips for other drugs may emerge. However, since these strips are designed for urine testing, it is important to understand their applicability to testing drugs themselves. Read More.
|
