New, Deadly Synthetic Drug 'ISO' Concerns Hillsborough County Sheriff

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is sounding the alarm on a new, deadly synthetic drug now available in Florida.

Called Isotonitazene or ISO for short, the drug is reportedly 20 times more potent than fentanyl.

"While we haven't seen it here in Hillsborough County, we know that it is in the Bay area and people need to be careful," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a new video published Wednesday to Facebook.

According to Chronister, the drug can easily be absorbed through the skin, ingested and inhaled.

It can come in the form of crystals or a white, off-white, or yellow powder that can be mixed with other substances like heroin, cocaine or pressed into tablets, drug experts say.

"ISO has already been linked to overdose deaths in Florida and poses a threat to not only those using it but to innocent people around them, including first responders."

Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a similar warning on the new synthetic drug last month.

“For years, we have been warning about the dangers of fentanyl and how just one pill laced with this synthetic opioid can kill. Now, there is a new, deadlier drug being found in Florida," she said.

Similar to fentanyl, Moody said this new synthetic opioid is being mixed with other drugs and appearing in the illicit drug market—possibly in powder or pill form. Often, users have no idea that a lethal synthetic opioid is mixed into a drug until it is too late.

"If you come into contact with ISO or know someone who has, please contact us immediately," Chronister warned.

In the event of an emergency dial 911 or contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.