US zombie drug creeping into Australia, AFP warns

Super-strength opioids that have turned major US cities into zombie zones are creeping into the country, the AFP warns.

Super-strength opioids that have turned major US cities into zombie zones are creeping into the country through fake medicines posted in the mail.

The Australian Federal Police have issued an urgent warning after a series of nitazene detections in counterfeit pharmaceuticals that appear almost identical to oxycodone pills - pain relief medication available via prescription.

The batches have been detected in recent months in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.

The deadly nitazenes are also being distributed as powders, nasal sprays and vape liquids.

Since January 2024 Australian Border Force officers have stopped eight Nitazene imports at Australian borders, most smuggled through international mail from countries including Canada, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.

There is no evidence to indicate nitazenes are being manufactured in Australia.

Health authorities and police warn nitazines have serious and unpredictable health effects, including users losing consciousness, experiencing slow or erratic pulse rate, stopping breathing, and having their skin turn bluish-purple.

A drug user under the influence in Melbourne. Picture: news.com.au

The drug nitazene is making its way into Australia. Picture: Australian Federal Police

AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson told news.com.au there was no safe dosage when it came to nitazenes, and warned people should only consume pharmaceuticals prescribed and dispensed by registered health practitioners and pharmacists.

“We cannot understate the dangers which surround any use of this illicit and highly potent drug. If you choose to take it, you are gambling with your life,” Assistant Commissioner Hudson said.

“Those who consume counterfeit pharmaceuticals have no idea what they are putting in their body and the potential health impacts they could face.

“Synthetic opioids are considered so potent there are also concerns for the safety and welfare of frontline workers, such as nurses, doctors, and law enforcement officers, who could be exposed to the dangerous health impacts when handling these substances or treating people who consume them.”

NSW Ambulance Senior Paramedic Specialist Associate Director Paramedicine and Clinical Practice Marty Nichols said nitazenes are appearing more often than ever before, in illicit drugs like ketamine, cocaine and heroin but also in heavy pain medicines.

Patients who overdose can present similar to people who have overdosed on heroin, this presentation can include losing consciousness and breathing slowing or ceasing.

AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson at AFP Headquarters in Canberra. Picture: Martin Ollman

A reversal agent is available that will counter act synthetic opioids such as nitazene (naloxone). This medication can be obtained and carried by individuals, as well as by health care practitioners such as paramedics.

These reversal agents are often effective however if patients have taken unknown substances, the reversal may only have partial effectiveness. Because nitazenes are found in other substances, once the synthetic opioids are reversed the other drugs present in their system may have a greater effect. This can result in paramedics being exposed to aggressive behaviour.

NSW Health encourages people to consider how they can reduce their exposure to harm. “People should think twice about taking any substance where they are not sure what is contained in it. With medication that is not obtained from a pharmacy or health care practitioner, it is near impossible to know what is present,” Mr Nichols said.

The AFP is so concerned about the rise in nitazenes it has issued a warning to criminal syndicates seeking to profit from the illegal and highly dangerous drug.

“The AFP is committed to protecting the community and will identify and prosecute you to the full extent of the law,” Assistant Commissioner Hudson said.

“The AFP will continue to work alongside our partners at the ABF, as well as our international law enforcement partners, to combat nitazenes in Australia.”

Nitazenes have ravaged parts of the US, leading to addicts staggering around in a haze in cities that include San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Originally published as US zombie drug creeping into Australia, AFP warns