Latest news with #HighAlert
1News
23-05-2025
- Health
- 1News
Warning after heroin misrepresented as benzodiazepine
White powder being sold as an unknown benzodiazepine in the Auckland region has been found to instead contain heroin after a sample was submitted to a drug checking clinic. High Alert issued a warning today, saying people who took the powder believing it to be a benzodiazepine were at risk of experiencing serious harm and death if taken in large doses. It said there was no information available on its prevalence outside of Auckland. "There is a concern that this powder may continue to be sold as a benzodiazepine. "It is important to never assume that what drug you have is what it has been sold as. Misrepresentation can occur anywhere along the supply chain." The substance could be mistaken for a crushed benzodiazepine pill, and if someone took a pill-sized dose of this powder, it could result in an overdose." "People who take multiple benzodiazepine pills at the same time may inadvertently take a dangerous amount of heroin." Benzodiazepines were a class of drugs commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, with examples including Valium and Xanax. Heroin and benzodiazepines came from different classes of drugs and produced different effects, High Alert said. "While both are central nervous system depressants, heroin is a potent opioid and large doses can result in serious harm and death." Caution was urged to those who chose to use white powders and drug checking was recommended to reduce the risks. "If you or someone you know takes a substance thought to be a benzodiazepine and starts to experience unusual effects, call 111." The person's face is extremely pale and/or feels clammy to the touch Their body goes limp Their fingernails and/or lips have a purple or blue colour They start vomiting or making gurgling noises They cannot be awakened or are unable to speak Their pupils become very small Their breathing and/or heartbeat slows or stops.
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Warning issued after heroin disguised as white powder in Auckland, sold as benzodiazepine
High Alert said some of the effects of heroin can include being in a 'dreamlike' state, severe nausea, blue lips, seizures and death. The sample of white powder presumed to be benzodiazepine was tested at a New Zealand Drug Foundation drug checking clinic in Auckland. 'Further testing was carried out by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), and the preliminary results indicate the presence of heroin,' High Alert said. No benzodiazepine was detected in this powder, and it is unknown if the powder is still circulating. How to recognise the drug High Alert urges Kiwis to exercise caution should they choose to use white powders, and drug checking is recommended to help minimise the risk. 'It is important to never assume that what drug you have is what it has been sold as. 'Misrepresentation can occur anywhere along the supply chain,' High Alert said. Heroin and benzodiazepines come from different classes of drugs and produce different effects. High Alert said both substances are central nervous system depressants, but heroin is a potent opioid and large doses can result in serious harm and death. 'People who take multiple benzodiazepine pills at the same time may inadvertently take a dangerous amount of heroin,' High Alert said. Drug checking services are recommended because they can identify when a substance is not what it has been sold as, the service said. What to do in an emergency High alert said if you or someone you know takes a substance, call 111 and ask for an ambulance immediately if you are concerned. 'Tell them what you think has been taken and that it could be an opioid overdose. Be honest about your drug use. You won't get in trouble, and it could save you or your friend's life.'
