SHREVEPORT — The North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory has confirmed the presence of a new and potentially deadly synthetic opioid in the Shreveport area, warning residents that counterfeit pills marked as a common prescription painkiller have tested positive for a substance far more dangerous than what they appear to be.

Tablets stamped with the marking “M/30” — a designation widely associated with 30-milligram oxycodone — were submitted to the lab by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. Laboratory analysis determined the pills did not contain oxycodone. Instead, they contained N-Propionitrile chlorphine, an orphine analogue, a newer class of synthetic opioid with potency approaching that of fentanyl.

The crime lab issued a public warning following the confirmation.

Orphine analogues are an emerging category of illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids increasingly being pressed into counterfeit pharmaceutical-style tablets. Because they closely mimic the appearance of legitimate prescription medications, users may have no indication they are ingesting a substance capable of causing rapid overdose.

The lab noted that confirmed cases of orphine analogues are emerging across the United States but that current data likely underrepresents actual prevalence. Many laboratories have only recently begun testing for these compounds, meaning the scope of the problem in the region — and nationally — may be significantly larger than documented cases reflect.

The crime lab urged the public not to assume any tablet marked as oxycodone is legitimate, warning that counterfeit pills may contain highly potent synthetic opioids capable of causing rapid overdose.

Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, can reverse overdoses caused by opioids including synthetic compounds. It is available without a prescription at most pharmacies.

Anyone with information about the source or distribution of counterfeit pills in the area is encouraged to contact the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Source: North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory/Social Media Site.   Image Attached.