Cameron, Craig among 26 Missouri schools with traces of deadly drug in wastewater

MISSOURI (KQTV) -- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has identified two local schools that tested positive for nitazenes, a highly potent synthetic opioid, in wastewater.

State health officials shared nitazenes, are five to 10 times more potent that fentanyl and look similar to Xanax, Percocet or Vicodin tablets.

The drug presents itself in a variety of different ways: pills, powder, vapes or even added to illicit drugs like cannabis and fentanyl, as well as heroin, meth and cocaine.

KQ2 requested testing documents from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, which conducted the wastewater testing, where 26 out of 37 Missouri schools tested positive.

DPS said the test samples were collected in mid-January and it received results on March 6. The analyzation of the samples were finalized on March 23.

DPS said it takes two weeks from the date of collection to receive results.

DHSS said nitazenes were connected to 14 Missouri overdose deaths in 2024., more than triple the total number recorded between 2019 and 2023.

"Nitazenes are a hidden killer," DPS Director Mark James said. "Even a tiny amount of nitazenes can cause someone to stop breathing, and they're increasingly being detected in counterfeit pills- but most people have never heard of them. Protect yourself: avoid using all illicit substances andf only use medications obtained directly from a pharmacist with a valid prescription."

DHSS said multiple doses of naloxone, or Narcan, could be needed to reverse a nitazene overdose.

Symptoms mirror other opioid overdoses, including:

• Slowed or absent breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Unconsciousness
• Blue/Grey lips or skin

Officials are urging families, educators and community leaders to talk with children and teens about the risks of counterfeit pills, illicit substances and unregulated vapes. Additionally, understanding that any illicit or unregulated substance may be contaminated with nitazenes.

Adults are also encouraged to show children and teens how to use naloxone, as well as keep it on hand.

DHSS said resources are available for those who need help.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for mental health, substance use or emotional‑distress support.
• Substance use treatment locations: dmh.mo.gov/behavioral-health/treatment-services/locate
• Missouri Poison Center: missouripoisoncenter.org or 1‑800‑222‑1222
• Time2Act – Missouri opioid misuse prevention: time2actmissouri.com
• Free naloxone: getmissourinaloxone.com/pick-up-today