Terrifying zombie drug up to 50 times stronger than fentanyl found in vape liquid in Australia - after wreaking havoc in the US
NSW Police charged the 20-year-old Sydney man with supplying the drug nitazene in vape fluid and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
The synthetic opioid is often manufactured in China and is cut with other drugs, with the buyer often unaware they are taking it posing a serious overdose risk.
The class of drug, which was only recently discovered, is an estimated to be up to 50 times stronger than fentanyl, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, a substance that itself is 50 times stronger than heroin.
Police alleged the man ran a sophisticated distribution model to sell the nitazene in vials between March and July, 2025.
He was arrested around midday last Friday, as police executed a simultaneous search warrant in Revesby.
Officers allegedly seized electronics, vape hardware, vials and $7,180 in cash.
Police also alleged they found two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon, which were seized for further forensic examination.
The 20-year-old was charged with supplying a prohibited drug in a commercial quantity and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Detective Superintendent John Watson, Commander of the Drug & Firearms Squad, said the alleged seizure was deeply concerning.
'Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal,' Det Supt Watson said.
'By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency [by] hooking users to ensure repeat business.
'It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven.'
Det Supt Watson said it was the first time anyone in Australia had been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid in Australia.
He also reminded the public that it is illegal in NSW to vape nicotine without a prescription.
Dr Hester Wilson, NSW Health's Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist, said nitazene can be stronger than fentanyl, and carries a heavy risk of overdose.
Police alleged the 20-year-old was also dealing in the proceeds of crime, and allegedly discovered flashy watches and weapons at the Revesby address
She said signs of an overdose may include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, unconsciousness, slow breathing, snoring, or discoloured skin.
'It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone. Naloxone is a lifesaving measure which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes,' she said.
The 20-year-old alleged distributor was refused bail and appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.
He was formally refused bail to appear in Burwood Local Court on September 24.
Earlier this year, an 18-year-old man, Jetson Gordon, died after ingesting a counterfeit oxycodone tablet laced with a form of nitazene.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant previously urged the Minns government to explore pill testing as a potential strategy to address the growing threat of nitazenes.
The first known cases of nitazene dependency in NSW emerged at Fairfield Hospital in July last year.
Four young adults were treated for withdrawal symptoms after becoming addicted to illicit vape liquid containing the synthetic opioid protonitazene.
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