Latest news with #nitazene
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
Terrifying zombie drug up to 50 times stronger than fentanyl found in vape liquid in Australia - after wreaking havoc in the US
An alleged black market dealer has been accused of selling vape liquid laced with a deadly and addictive drug, in a new 'profit-driven' low for Australian criminals. 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.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- The Guardian
Sydney man arrested for allegedly selling vapes ‘supercharged' with dangerous synthetic opioid
A Sydney man has become the first person in Australia to be arrested for allegedly selling vapes 'supercharged' with a dangerous and highly addictive synthetic opioid. Police announced the arrest of 20-year-old Sam Al Roubaye and seizure of 2.1kg of nitazene after raiding a home on Friday at Revesby in western Sydney. Police alleged Al Roubaye had been running a sophisticated distribution operation of nitazene since March, police said on Wednesday. Vials were allegedly marketed as 'supercharged' and intended for use in vapes. Sign up: AU Breaking News email The nitazene bust comes as some of Australia's toughest penalties for selling illegal tobacco and vapes are to be introduced into NSW parliament on Wednesday. 'Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal,' NSW Police drug squad Cmdr John Watson said. Al Roubaye was refused bail at Parramatta local court on a commercial drug supply charge after police allegedly found vape hardware, vials containing 300 grams of nitazene and $7,180 in cash during a search on Friday. Two imitation firearms, an electrical weapon and a safe were also seized. The safe was opened on Monday, revealing 1.8kg more of nitazene. '(The arrest) demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade, but our squad is constantly adapting to meet these emerging threats head-on,' Det Supt Watson said. NSW Health's chief addiction medicine specialist, Hester Wilson, warned synthetic opioids including nitazene were extremely dangerous. She urged those using recreational drugs to carry naloxone, a life-saving medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. It is available free at some pharmacies. Under the proposed NSW restrictions, health inspectors will be granted substantial powers to close premises found to be in breach of the new rules. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Steep increases in the federal tax on legal tobacco had fuelled massive growth in the hidden market and current punishments were not dissuading anyone, the premier, Chris Minns, said. 'I won't allow NSW to be a dumping ground,' he said on Wednesday. The use of nitazenes has been recognised by medical professionals as a growing problem. The NSW health department last year issued a public warning about the danger of synthetic opioids after a cluster of drug overdoses linked to the synthetic opioid in the Nepean Blue Mountains area. Consumption of nitazenes is often unwitting, with the opioids illegally sold as, or mixed into, recreational drugs including methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, ketamine, oxycodone, synthetic cannabinoids, MDMA, GHB and counterfeit pharmaceuticals, as well as in vaping devices. Nitazenes have been linked to more than 200 deaths in North America and Europe between 2019 and 2023.
ABC News
6 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Man charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid in Australian first
A Sydney man is the first person in Australia to be charged with supplying potentially lethal nitazene-laced vape liquid that police call a "disturbing evolution" in the illicit drug trade. 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."
The Australian
6 days ago
- The Australian
Revesby man charged in major Sydney nitazene vape liquid bust
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. Vials of vape liquid allegedly laced with the deadly synthetic opioid nitazene were seized during a police raid. Picture: NSW Police 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. NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said the emergence of nitazene-laced vape liquid marked a disturbing new trend in the illicit drug trade. Picture: NewsWire / Dylan Coker An imitation firearm seized during a police raid as part of an investigation into illegal drug supply. Picture: NSW Police '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. Cash totalling $7180 was seized during the police raid linked to the alleged drug distribution operation. Picture: NSW Police 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.' Andrew Hedgman Reporter Andrew Hedgman is a journalist for NCA Newswire. Andrew Hedgman
News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
Australian first: Man accused of supplying supercharged opioid vapes
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.'
