AFP warn over detections of dangerous drug nitazene in fake pharmaceuticals
AFP: Counterfeit pain medications have emerged as the latest threat posed by illicit drug importation, as Australian authorities detect a worrying spike in nitazenes.
Nitazenes are an illicit and dangerous synthetic opioid which can cause serious and unpredictable health effects, including overdose which may present as loss of consciousness, shallow or stopped breathing, bluish-purple skin and slow or erratic pulse.
They are considered 10 times more potent than fentanyl and can be distributed as powders, tablets, nasal sprays, and vape liquids.
Nitazenes have been detected in counterfeit pain relief medication in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory in recent months, leading to a renewed warning by the AFP of the dangers of illicit drug use, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
Between April 2024 and February 2025, state and territory police seized counterfeit pharmaceuticals which were almost identical in appearance to oxycodone pills, a pain relief medication available via prescription from a medical professional. Forensic analysis showed the seized counterfeit pharmaceuticals contained nitazenes.
Between January, 2024, and March, 2025, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected eight nitazene imports at the Australian border. The imports originated from countries including Canada, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong and were largely imported via international mail.
There is no evidence to indicate nitazenes are being manufactured in Australia. (AFP)
