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Fatal Overdose Triggers Arrests of Four Suspected Cychlorphine Dealers in San Francisco
By Drooid · · How we work
Background: Emerging Synthetic Opioids Threaten the City
Synthetic opioids cychlorphine and isotonitazene (known on the streets as ISO) have recently appeared in San Francisco’s illicit drug market. Health-department alerts note that cychlorphine is roughly ten times stronger than fentanyl, while ISO can be up to 100 times more potent. Both substances resist reversal with naloxone (Narcan) and may be hidden in counterfeit pills, powders, or mixed with cocaine, complicating detection for users and public-health officials.
Law Enforcement Action and Seized Evidence
Following the April death of 16-year-old Dante Lacourte, who overdosed after ingesting a counterfeit pill containing cychlorphine and ISO, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) traced leads from the teen’s room and phone. Undercover officers purchased suspect pills, then executed raids on four residences. The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals—Nicholas Wallace, Sharonee Hyson, Leander Pitts, and Starr Lamare—and the seizure of more than 20,000 pills, including counterfeit Xanax, oxycodone, hydrocodone, cyclobenzaprine, and fentanyl. Additional contraband comprised 68.5 g of MDMA, 6.5 g of black-tar heroin, a semi-automatic assault rifle, a semi-automatic pistol, and $2,267 in cash. All suspects were booked on charges of possession for sale of narcotics and firearms offenses.
Official Statements & Responses
DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob Beris explained that cychlorphine was first identified by the agency in 2024 and emphasized its versatility across drug forms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The first time DEA saw it was in 2024 at one of our labs down in Florida,” — Bob Beris
- “It can be mixed into a pill. It can be sold as a powder. It can be mixed in with cocaine. It can be sold as cocaine. Again, just because we haven’t seen some of these examples yet doesn’t mean it’s not out there,” — Bob Beris
- “For the last ten years, it’s been an arms race for increasing the strength of opioids, from heroin to fentanyl, and now, to ISO,” — Christopher Rufo, manhattan institute writer
These statements underscore the evolving potency of synthetic opioids and the law-enforcement response aimed at curbing a growing public-health crisis.
