'Disturbing evolution': man charged after vapes laced with synthetic opioids
In an Australian first, the 20-year-old man was charged with supplying nitazene-laced liquid across Sydney on August 1, and marketing the dangerous drug as a "supercharged" vape.
Investigators allege that some users did not know they were taking a synthetic opioid. The drug is 200 times more potent than morphine, police said.
"Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal," NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said.
"By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency, hooking users to ensure repeat business. It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven," he said.
"This is the first time in Australia someone has been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, which demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade, but our squad is constantly adapting to meet these emerging threats head-on."
The 20-year-old man allegedly ran a sophisticated illicit drug distribution model in Sydney between March and July 2025, completing more than 1200 transactions.
He was involved in the sale, preparation and distribution of the vials for profit, police allege.
The business model was completely faceless and contactless, investigators said.
The product was marketed to customers on social media, and purchases were made using cryptocurrency. Customers were then sent a video showing the pick-up location for the vials.
"It was up to the buyer then to go and find [the drugs], seek them out. They could be placed anywhere in our communities for them to pick up," police said.
Investigators searched the man's Revesby home after midday on August 1, and a total of 2.1 kilograms of suspected nitazenes were allegedly found.
Police also seized two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon, as well as electronics, vape hardware, vials and $7180 in cash.
The man was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
He was formally refused bail on August 2 and is expected to appear in Burwood Local Court on September 24.
"This is also an important time to remind the public that vaping nicotine without a prescription is illegal in NSW, and when you buy illicit vapes, you have no idea what's inside," Detective Superintendent Watson said.
"You could be inhaling dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, or in this case, a synthetic opioid that's stronger than fentanyl," he said.
"If you're concerned about a vape product you've used or purchased, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice.
"The public are also urged to report suspicious products to Crime Stoppers; your information could prevent serious harm being done to others."
NSW Health's chief addiction medicine specialist Hester Wilson echoed the warning for the potentially deadly drug.
"We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl," Dr Wilson said.
"It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond," she said.
"Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing and snoring or skin turning blue or grey.
"If you witness someone experiencing any of these symptoms after using drugs, give naloxone if you have it, and call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
"It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone. Naloxone is a life saving measure which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes.
"Take home naloxone is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection from NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA."
A man has been charged with supplying a prohibited drug after vape liquid vials were laced with a potentially lethal synthetic opioid, nitazenes.
In an Australian first, the 20-year-old man was charged with supplying nitazene-laced liquid across Sydney on August 1, and marketing the dangerous drug as a "supercharged" vape.
Investigators allege that some users did not know they were taking a synthetic opioid. The drug is 200 times more potent than morphine, police said.
"Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal," NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said.
"By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency, hooking users to ensure repeat business. It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven," he said.
"This is the first time in Australia someone has been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, which demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade, but our squad is constantly adapting to meet these emerging threats head-on."
The 20-year-old man allegedly ran a sophisticated illicit drug distribution model in Sydney between March and July 2025, completing more than 1200 transactions.
He was involved in the sale, preparation and distribution of the vials for profit, police allege.
The business model was completely faceless and contactless, investigators said.
The product was marketed to customers on social media, and purchases were made using cryptocurrency. Customers were then sent a video showing the pick-up location for the vials.
"It was up to the buyer then to go and find [the drugs], seek them out. They could be placed anywhere in our communities for them to pick up," police said.
Investigators searched the man's Revesby home after midday on August 1, and a total of 2.1 kilograms of suspected nitazenes were allegedly found.
Police also seized two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon, as well as electronics, vape hardware, vials and $7180 in cash.
The man was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
He was formally refused bail on August 2 and is expected to appear in Burwood Local Court on September 24.
"This is also an important time to remind the public that vaping nicotine without a prescription is illegal in NSW, and when you buy illicit vapes, you have no idea what's inside," Detective Superintendent Watson said.
"You could be inhaling dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, or in this case, a synthetic opioid that's stronger than fentanyl," he said.
"If you're concerned about a vape product you've used or purchased, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice.
"The public are also urged to report suspicious products to Crime Stoppers; your information could prevent serious harm being done to others."
NSW Health's chief addiction medicine specialist Hester Wilson echoed the warning for the potentially deadly drug.
"We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl," Dr Wilson said.
"It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond," she said.
"Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing and snoring or skin turning blue or grey.
"If you witness someone experiencing any of these symptoms after using drugs, give naloxone if you have it, and call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
"It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone. Naloxone is a life saving measure which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes.
"Take home naloxone is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection from NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA."
A man has been charged with supplying a prohibited drug after vape liquid vials were laced with a potentially lethal synthetic opioid, nitazenes.
In an Australian first, the 20-year-old man was charged with supplying nitazene-laced liquid across Sydney on August 1, and marketing the dangerous drug as a "supercharged" vape.
Investigators allege that some users did not know they were taking a synthetic opioid. The drug is 200 times more potent than morphine, police said.
"Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal," NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said.
"By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency, hooking users to ensure repeat business. It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven," he said.
"This is the first time in Australia someone has been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, which demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade, but our squad is constantly adapting to meet these emerging threats head-on."
The 20-year-old man allegedly ran a sophisticated illicit drug distribution model in Sydney between March and July 2025, completing more than 1200 transactions.
He was involved in the sale, preparation and distribution of the vials for profit, police allege.
The business model was completely faceless and contactless, investigators said.
The product was marketed to customers on social media, and purchases were made using cryptocurrency. Customers were then sent a video showing the pick-up location for the vials.
"It was up to the buyer then to go and find [the drugs], seek them out. They could be placed anywhere in our communities for them to pick up," police said.
Investigators searched the man's Revesby home after midday on August 1, and a total of 2.1 kilograms of suspected nitazenes were allegedly found.
Police also seized two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon, as well as electronics, vape hardware, vials and $7180 in cash.
The man was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
He was formally refused bail on August 2 and is expected to appear in Burwood Local Court on September 24.
"This is also an important time to remind the public that vaping nicotine without a prescription is illegal in NSW, and when you buy illicit vapes, you have no idea what's inside," Detective Superintendent Watson said.
"You could be inhaling dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, or in this case, a synthetic opioid that's stronger than fentanyl," he said.
"If you're concerned about a vape product you've used or purchased, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice.
"The public are also urged to report suspicious products to Crime Stoppers; your information could prevent serious harm being done to others."
NSW Health's chief addiction medicine specialist Hester Wilson echoed the warning for the potentially deadly drug.
"We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl," Dr Wilson said.
"It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond," she said.
"Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing and snoring or skin turning blue or grey.
"If you witness someone experiencing any of these symptoms after using drugs, give naloxone if you have it, and call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
"It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone. Naloxone is a life saving measure which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes.
"Take home naloxone is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection from NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA."
A man has been charged with supplying a prohibited drug after vape liquid vials were laced with a potentially lethal synthetic opioid, nitazenes.
In an Australian first, the 20-year-old man was charged with supplying nitazene-laced liquid across Sydney on August 1, and marketing the dangerous drug as a "supercharged" vape.
Investigators allege that some users did not know they were taking a synthetic opioid. The drug is 200 times more potent than morphine, police said.
"Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal," NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said.
"By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency, hooking users to ensure repeat business. It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven," he said.
"This is the first time in Australia someone has been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, which demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade, but our squad is constantly adapting to meet these emerging threats head-on."
The 20-year-old man allegedly ran a sophisticated illicit drug distribution model in Sydney between March and July 2025, completing more than 1200 transactions.
He was involved in the sale, preparation and distribution of the vials for profit, police allege.
The business model was completely faceless and contactless, investigators said.
The product was marketed to customers on social media, and purchases were made using cryptocurrency. Customers were then sent a video showing the pick-up location for the vials.
"It was up to the buyer then to go and find [the drugs], seek them out. They could be placed anywhere in our communities for them to pick up," police said.
Investigators searched the man's Revesby home after midday on August 1, and a total of 2.1 kilograms of suspected nitazenes were allegedly found.
Police also seized two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon, as well as electronics, vape hardware, vials and $7180 in cash.
The man was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of prohibited drugs and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
He was formally refused bail on August 2 and is expected to appear in Burwood Local Court on September 24.
"This is also an important time to remind the public that vaping nicotine without a prescription is illegal in NSW, and when you buy illicit vapes, you have no idea what's inside," Detective Superintendent Watson said.
"You could be inhaling dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, or in this case, a synthetic opioid that's stronger than fentanyl," he said.
"If you're concerned about a vape product you've used or purchased, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice.
"The public are also urged to report suspicious products to Crime Stoppers; your information could prevent serious harm being done to others."
NSW Health's chief addiction medicine specialist Hester Wilson echoed the warning for the potentially deadly drug.
"We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl," Dr Wilson said.
"It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond," she said.
"Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing and snoring or skin turning blue or grey.
"If you witness someone experiencing any of these symptoms after using drugs, give naloxone if you have it, and call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
"It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone. Naloxone is a life saving measure which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes.
"Take home naloxone is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection from NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA."
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