DEA investigates Mexican officials as UNODC warns of potent new opioid ISO

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has issued an alarm regarding the rapid expansion of isotonitazeno, a synthetic opioid known as ‘ISO’ that is threatening to eclipse fentanyl. While fentanyl's impact is concentrated in North America, ISO is seeing its fastest growth in Europe. The substance is estimated to be five to nine times more potent than fentanyl and belongs to the benzylbenzimidazole group, a chemical structure that makes it difficult to detect using conventional toxicological tests.

Simultaneously, the Director of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Terry Cole, stated that American authorities are investigating high-level Mexican officials for alleged links to criminal organizations. Cole noted that while there is daily, fluid communication between himself and Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Protection, Omar García Harfuch, recent accusations have exposed corruption involving officials working directly with cartels. The DEA has previously warned of officials collaborating with the CJNG, citing the devastating impact of cartel activities and fentanyl-related deaths.