Australian first: Man accused of supplying supercharged opioid vapes

News.com.au

a day ago

A 20-year-old man has become the first person in Australia to be charged with supplying vape liquid laced with nitazene, a highly potent and dangerous synthetic opioid.
The arrest follows an investigation by the NSW Police Force drug and firearms squad under Strike Force Southminster, which was established by THE State Crime Command to probe the supply of nitazenes across Sydney.
Police allege the man was running a sophisticated illicit drug distribution operation between March and July this year, distributing vape liquid vials infused with the powerful opioid.
Detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Revesby about 12.10pm on Friday, August 1, with support from the public order and riot squad.
During the search, officers seized electronics, vape hardware, vials, and $7180 in cash.
Two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon were also seized and will undergo forensic examination.
At the same time, the man was arrested at Liverpool Police Station and charged with supply of a prohibited drug in a commercial quantity and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was refused bail and appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, August 2, when bail was formally denied.
He is due to appear again in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday, September 24.
On Monday, August 4, police opened a safe seized during the Revesby raid and discovered a further 1.8kg of nitazene, bringing the total quantity seized in the investigation to 2.1kg.
Police will allege in court the man was responsible for the preparation, sale, and distribution of vape vials marketed as 'supercharged' for profit.
Detective Superintendent John Watson, commander of the drug and firearms squad, said distributing synthetic opioids through vape liquid presented a serious risk to public health.
'Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal. By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency, hooking users to ensure repeat business,' Superintendent Watson said.
'It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven.'
He said this marked the first time anyone in Australia had been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, calling it a concerning development in the illicit drug market.
'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,' 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 anyone concerned about a vape product should 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,' Superintendent Watson said.
NSW Health chief addiction medicine specialist Hester Wilson said authorities were increasingly worried about the potential harm posed by synthetic opioids.
'We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl,' Dr Wilson said.
She urged people to be able to identify the signs of an opioid overdose and take immediate action if they suspected someone was affected.
'It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone,' Dr Wilson said.
'Naloxone is a lifesaving 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.'