An illegal synthetic drug, 10 times more potent than fentanyl, has the Australian Federal Police worried about both users and frontline workers.
AFP Commander Paula Hudson said no illicit drug use was safe, but the agency was particularly concerned about nitazenes contained in cocaine, MDMA, GHB, and counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
Commander Hudson said nitazenes were synthetic opioids and were sold in a variety of forms, including powders, tablets, nasal sprays, and vape liquids.
“They are extremely potent and 10 times more potent than fentanyl,” she said.
“Synthetic opioids can be so potent there is serious concern for frontline workers like emergency hospital staff, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers and AFP forensics members, who could be exposed to fatal health effects through inhalation and exposure when handling the substance.”
Commander Hudson said nitazenes could have serious and unpredictable health effects, including loss of consciousness, shallow or stopped breathing, bluish purple skin, slow or erratic pulse, or death.
She said in the 12 months to September this year, ABF detected 64 imports of nitazenes at the Australian border.
“The imports originated from Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Canada, and primarily were imported via the international mail stream.
“There is no evidence to indicating nitazenes are being manufactured in Australia.”
She said nitazenes pose a greater threat to the Australian community than fentanyl.
“Nitazenes are considered 10 times more potent than fentanyl and to put that in perspective, around two milligrams of fentanyl – or the equivalent of the size of two grains of salt – is considered lethal.
“Taking nitazenes is like playing Russian roulette with your life – it’s a serious gamble and even the smallest amount can lead to a fatal overdose. When mixed with other illicit drugs, users have no idea what they are taking before it’s too late.”
