Summary and Notable Findings:
- 741 samples were tested from July 1 and September 30, 2025.
- Fentanyl adulteration shifts continued: Alpha-2 agonists were in favor of medetomidine over xylazine, and local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, procaine, tetracaine) increased in prevalence.
- Novel synthetic opioids market dynamics: Nitazene analogues were not detected in Q3 2025, while fentanyl analogues (e.g., carfentanil) were more common.
- BTMPS remained low, in 11% of tested fentanyl samples.
- NPS Benzodiazepines: Bromazolam (n=1), Flubromazepam (n=1) and Phenazolam (n=1) were detected [Alprazolam (n=5)].
- Synthetic cannabinoids: 5F-ADB (n=4) was detected among K2 or Spice suspected samples.
- Heroin was detected in 28 (3.8%) samples.
- Four samples contained a trace unknown substance suspected to be a fentanyl-related, since identified as N-BOC norfentanyl.
- Quantitative results will appear in our Q4 Mid-Atlantic report, including fentanyl, medetomidine, xylazine, and more.
