Pill testing Qld: High alert as Brisbane site finds potentially deadly drug

Just days after the LNP Government confirmed it will axe funding for pill testing sites, a Brisbane units has detected a highly dangerous drug, with just one pill having the potential to kill.

Drug information booklets at Directions Health Services at Australia's first fixed pill-testing clinic in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The government’s pill testing unit has detected a highly dangerous and potentially deadly drug at an inner city site – and just one tablet could kill.

CheQpoint was presented with a nitazene – a counterfeit oxycodone tablet at Bowen Hills. Consumption in small amounts could prove fatal with its extraordinary levels of toxicity.

Queensland Health has issued a warning to the state to be aware of the circulation of the

tablets that are round, blue, and bear M 30 markings.

Nitazenes are a group of very strong opioids that work like heroin or fentanyl and can produce life-threatening toxicity in small amounts.

The toxic effects of nitazenes are similar to other opioids and include:

• Sedation • Coma

• Slow or obstructed breathing

• Respiratory failure that can lead to death

The discovery comes just days after the LNP Government confirmed it will not provide more funding for pill testing, forcing sites across Queensland’s southeast to shut in early 2025.

Queensland’s peak medical body has warned the government against closing the pill testing sites, revealing there had been a “surprising development” of people using the facilities to test legal medications.

Queensland’ first fixed-site drug checking (also known as pill testing) service in Bowen Hills. Picture: John Gass

The detected pill was bought over the internet. Nitazenes can be 1000 times more potent than morphine.

The detection has sparked a call to action from drug experts to address the high rates of overdose and ensure preparedness planning for synthetic opioids in Queensland.

This detection also comes off the back of detections in New South Wales following hospitalisations of two people with severe opioid overdoses.

Nitazenes are a family of synthetic opioid drugs that were discovered in the 1950s, but never used in medicine due to their dangerous potency. Even tiny amounts of nitazenes can cause death.

Rebecca Lang, chief executive of QNADA said the detection of nitazene is a timely reminder of the importance of harm reduction and community-led approaches, “which is why we have worked with our member organisations to develop an overdose plan for the state”.

“We call on the Government to implement the plan to protect the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders”, she said.

The chief executive of QuIHN, Queensland Injectors Health Network, Geoff Davey, said the alert highlights the dangers of the unregulated drug market and the need to connect people to vital health services.

“We encourage anyone purchasing unregulated medications through online sources to come forward and have their substances tested,” he said.

Emma Kill, chief executive of QuIVAA, Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action, said nitazenes can last longer in the body than oxycodone, heroin and naloxone.

“Higher and repeated doses of naloxone may be required as well as hospital treatment,” she said.

“It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses illicit drugs, including counterfeit and/or diverted pharmaceuticals, to carry naloxone. Naloxone is a lifesaving treatment which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including with nitazenes.”

Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls insisted there was “no safe way to take drugs and this is further proof”.

“Queensland Health has previously warned on the dangers of these drugs,” Mr Nicholls said

“Pill testing sends the wrong message and it’s dangerous to mix messages on drug safety.”

Opposition Leader Steven Miles however hit back saying that the LNP’s decision to not renew the pill testing contract was “absurd”.

“We know that pill testing saves lives,” Mr Miles said.

“Today’s public alert is an example of that.

“David Crisafulli’s decision to not renew a contract for our pill testing clinics is absurd.

“He should listen to the advice of experts and follow Labor’s lead in supporting pill testing in Queensland.”

Queensland Health advises that people should not consume counterfeit, fake or altered medications and substances.

If you suspect you have these tablets please dispose of them safely, it advises, and seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know experiences any toxic effects following drug use.

For the time being, free and confidential drug checking services are available in Brisbane and the Gold Coast at the following locations:

• 2pm – 6pm Friday, 1 Hamilton Place, Bowen Hills

• 2pm – 6pm Friday, Shop 12/89-99 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads

Naloxone will reverse an opioid overdose; it is available for free from registered pharmacies and services through the national Take Home Naloxone program.

For help

• Call Triple Zero (000) for emergency assistance

• Go to your nearest emergency department

• Call the Queensland Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26)

• Adis 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support (1800 177 833 or www.adis.health.qld.gov.au)