A Houston-based agent with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said the region has seen an increase in the presence of nitazenes, synthetic opioids that are more potent than fentanyl.

Fifteen people in the Houston area have died from nitazene overdoses during the last year, with the victims ranging in age from 17 to 59, according to William Kimbell, the special agent in charge with the DEA's Houston division.

"We started seeing it in the Houston area, our first seizure was in 2022," he said. "And kind of the reason we're talking now is over the last year we have seen a pretty dramatic increase in its usage in Houston and the surrounding area."

Nitazene, developed in the 1950s, is 25 times more powerful than fentanyl, Kimbell said. Specialized labs and chemists are required to make the drug, which is common in powder form, he said.

About 2,000 people across the United States have died from nitazene since 2019, according to Kimbell, who said an investigation is underway to find those selling, making and importing the drug.

"We really want to hold those accountable that are taking lives," Kimbell said. "From an international drug trafficking perspective, we are looking at who's purchasing it locally, how it is getting in. We are using a variety of investigative techniques. And who is it locally that is manufacturing these types of tablets?"

Kimbell said nitazene tablets are turning up in Houston, manufactured to resemble prescription pills. So parents of children should be on their guard, he said.

"One nitazene pill pressed to look like any prescription drug can and will likely kill," Kimbell said. "And getting access to it is as far away as your kid's smart phone."