Fentanyl is killing children and young adults who unknowingly consume the highly addictive synthetic opioid after purchasing counterfeit pharmaceuticals and street drugs. Isotonitazene (aka nitazene or "ISO”) is another synthetic opioid being used in the manufacture of counterfeit drugs, and which experts say is far more deadly than Fentanyl.

“We’re seeing more and more deaths, and we’re seeing more and more autopsy reports with the Isotonitizenes, the Etonitazenes, the ‘Pyro’ – they call it ‘Pyro’ on the street,” says Derek Maltz, former director of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Ops.

Maltz says the prevalence of synthetic opioids available in the United States today is “killing at record levels.” In the video above, he asks, “So why are we not reacting properly?”

This episode of Dr. Phil, “Laced, Lethal and Killing Our Children,” airs Thursday. Check your local listing for airtimes.

WATCH: ‘You Want To Stop, But Your Body Won’t Let You,’ Says Woman Who Bought Counterfeit Meds Laced With Fentanyl