INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Drug Enforcement Administration and several Marion County agencies issued a public safety warning Monday about synthetic drugs mixed with fentanyl causing overdose deaths.

The DEA Indianapolis District Office joined the Marion County Coroner’s Office, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office to raise awareness of the growing danger.

Preliminary overdose data from the coroner’s office show synthetic substances are increasingly detected in overdose deaths across the Indianapolis metro area.

The warning follows a recent DEA advisory about fentanyl being mixed with substances such as xylazine, nitazenes, cychlorphine and medetomidine. These drugs can increase potency, make overdose response more difficult and raise the risk of death.

Medetomidine, a powerful veterinary sedative, was found in nearly one out of every 14 confirmed drug overdose deaths in Marion County in 2026, according to coroner’s data.

“Today’s illicit drug supply is more dangerous, more deceptive, and more deadly than ever before,” said DEA Indianapolis Assistant Special Agent in Charge Cody Dooley.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Kendale Adams said the effort focuses on enforcement and prevention.

“Our efforts aim not only to deter those who profit from dealing deadly narcotics in our community, but also to raise awareness about the devastating dangers of lethal drugs like fentanyl,” Adams said.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said prosecution remains a key tool.

“Every overdose death represents a life lost and a family forever changed,” Mears said.

Officials advised the public:

• Never take a pill not prescribed to you and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.
• Assume any illegal drug may contain fentanyl or other synthetic substances.
• Carry naloxone and know how to use it.
• Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing a suspected overdose.

Authorities also urged parents, guardians and educators to discuss drug dangers with young people before they attend college, concerts or festivals.

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