Man charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid in Australian first
Following an investigation, NSW Police allegedly uncovered evidence that the 20-year-old man had been running a sophisticated illicit drug distribution model to facilitate the supply of the nitazene in vape liquid vials between March and July this year.
On Friday, detectives raided a property in Revesby in Sydney's south where they allegedly located electronics, vape hardware, vials and more than $7,000 in cash.
Police said they also seized two imitation firearms, an electrical weapon and a safe, which they were unable to open at the property.
Officers later cracked into the safe where they allegedly found a further 1.8 kilograms of nitazene, bringing the total amount of the drugs seized to 2.1kg.
A man was arrested at the property and charged with supplying prohibited drug in a commercial quantity and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.
Police allege the man was involved in the sale, preparation, and distribution of the vials, which were marketed as "supercharged".
In a statement, Drug and Firearms Squad commander Detective Superintendent John Watson said nitazenes were highly addictive and could be lethal.
"By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency, hooking users to ensure repeat business," Superintendent Watson said.
Superintendent Watson said this Australian first demonstrated a "disturbing evolution of the illicit drug trade".
According to NSW Health, nitazenes are extremely potent synthetic opioids which are more likely to decrease or stop breathing than other opioids.
Authorities said the drugs could be hundreds of times more potent than heroin and could cause severe overdose or death.
Addiction specialist Hester Wilson warned about the dangers of synthetic opioids.
"Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring or skin turning blue or grey," Dr Wilson said.
"It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone … a lifesaving measure which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes."
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