Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt has announced legislative efforts to address the emergence of synthetic opioids in Missouri, focusing on a class of drugs known as nitazenes. In a series of posts published on November 4, 2025, Schmitt described the potency and dangers associated with these substances, and outlined proposed measures intended to combat their spread.

In his first post, Schmitt stated: "A new class of synthetic opioids is making it's way to Missouri—and they must be stopped. Nitazenes often come from China and are cheap to produce, difficult to detect, and up to 40x stronger than fentanyl. My colleagues and I are leading a slate of bills to stop the flow and https://t.co/lyb4CkVVit" (November 4, 2025).

He followed this message with an additional link for further information: "Read more: https://t.co/vK2zWtBnok" (November 4, 2025).

Schmitt also detailed the legislative proposals under consideration. According to his third post: "The bills:

• Designate nitazenes as Schedule I drugs.

• Give law enforcement the tools to find and eliminate this poison.

• Sanction Communist China for poisoning Americans.

We must learn from the fentanyl epidemic and stop nitazenes before they spiral out of control." (November 4, 2025).

Nitazenes are synthetic opioids that have been identified as significantly more potent than fentanyl. These substances have been linked by health authorities to an increasing number of overdose deaths in recent years. Efforts by lawmakers such as Senator Schmitt reflect growing concerns about synthetic drug trafficking routes that often originate overseas.

The legislative push follows similar federal initiatives that aim to regulate emerging synthetic drugs by placing them under stricter scheduling categories and equipping law enforcement agencies with greater authority to intercept shipments.