December 3rd 2024.
Authorities have raised a red flag about a synthetic opioid that is believed to be 10 times more powerful than fentanyl. This warning comes after law enforcement intercepted more than 60 shipments of the drug in the past two years.
The Australian Federal Police is particularly worried about the presence of this substance, known as nitazenes, in drugs like cocaine, MDMA, GHB, and fake pharmaceuticals. What's even more alarming is that it can be found in various forms such as powders, tablets, nasal sprays, and even vape liquids.
Recently, the attention was drawn to a billionaire who brought a $150,000 grocery giveaway to Sydney. However, amidst all the news, the potential danger posed by this potent drug cannot be ignored. It is often marketed and sold as non-opioid substances, making it easily accessible to unsuspecting users who may not be aware of its true nature.
The Australian Border Force has reported detecting 64 instances of nitazene imports at the Australian border between January 2023 and September 2024. These were mainly brought in through the international mail stream from countries like Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
According to the Australian Federal Police, this drug is extremely potent, even more so than fentanyl. In a statement, they warned of the serious and unpredictable health consequences that can arise from using nitazenes, such as loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, and even death.
To better understand the nature of this dangerous substance, the AFP's forensic team has analyzed a significant portion of the seized nitazenes. In one instance, four kilograms of a Nitazene analogue was confiscated during a search warrant at the home of a 28-year-old Malaysian citizen in Melbourne's Doncaster East suburb. Another incident involved a 39-year-old Northern Territory resident who was charged for importing the potent opioid metonitazene through the mail from the UK into Australia in October 2023.
Commander Paula Hudson of the AFP expressed grave concerns about the threat that nitazenes pose to the Australian community. She stated that these drugs are considered to be 10 times more powerful than fentanyl, and even a tiny amount can prove fatal. Hudson also emphasized the dangers of mixing synthetic opioids with other illicit substances, as users may not be aware of what they are taking until it's too late.
Apart from the risk to users, there is also a serious concern for frontline workers who may be exposed to the substance's harmful effects while handling it. This includes emergency hospital staff, ABF officers, and AFP forensics members.
The AFP will continue to work closely with their partners at ABF and other international law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle criminal networks involved in importing these dangerous drugs and causing harm to the community.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with drug-related issues, please reach out to the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline at 1800 250 015 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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