A new synthetic opioid has been discovered and has warranted a public alert from the Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Discovery, a branch of the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE). Protonitazene has a similar structure to other synthetic opioids but is almost three times more potent than fentanyl. Since May of 2021, nine post-mortem cases had been reported (with two of those in Tennessee). However, there have been six additional cases since December 2021. Considering that there is no medical use for protonitazene, and that the DEA has found this drug-class in 94 recent raids, the deadly potential has prompted an escalation of vigilance in the substance misuse community. Visit NPS Discovery or DEA Diversion for more information and recommendations for your organization.