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Student's Dark-Web Drug Test Reveals New Potent Threat

4/1/2026

43 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In March 2026, Kai Raydon, a University of Colorado student, tested a dark-web quaalude for fentanyl and inhaled it, claiming it matched rumors of effectiveness.
His reaction was atypical for a sedative, indicating the substance could be a new, potent drug.
The incident highlights a trend of novel lab-made chemicals in illicit markets, often arising from legitimate research and altered by illicit chemists, creating a science-to-street pipeline.

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Story summary

In March 2026, Kai Raydon, a University of Colorado student, tested a dark-web quaalude for fentanyl and inhaled it, claiming it matched rumors of effectiveness.
His reaction was atypical for a sedative, indicating the substance could be a new, potent drug.
The incident highlights a trend of novel lab-made chemicals in illicit markets, often arising from legitimate research and altered by illicit chemists, creating a science-to-street pipeline.