Deadly counterfeit pills bought on the dark web have been detected in the ACT

A deadly new opioid 1000 times stronger than morphine was discovered in a round yellow counterfeit oxycodone pill that was brought into a Canberra drug testing centre. The discovery prompted ACT Health to issue a warning after a type of nitazene called N-pyrrolidine isotonitazene was detected in the fake tablet. A CanTest spokesperson said the sample that was tested had been acquired on the dark web, and contained the potent new opioid that was 100 times stronger than fentanyl. “This is the third nitazene-related community notice CanTEST has issued, and the second counterfeit oxycodone notice,” a spokesperson said. “All nitazenes carry a risk of fatal overdose, and there is no safe way to use them.” The spokesperson said naloxone could reverse N-pyrrolidine isotonitazene overdoses, but several doses of the opioid antagonist might be required. “Never use alone and always keep naloxone on hand,” the spokesperson said. “Nitazens have been detected in several parts of Australia, in various forms. “Any type of drug sourced from the unregulated market, including convincing counterfeit pharmaceuticals may contain nitazens or other dangerous substances.” About 18 people have died in Victoria from nitazene overdoses, and another four people have overdosed in the Sydney metro area prompting authorities to issue several health warnings to the community. The drug has been found in vapes, MDMA, ecstasy tablets, cocaine, heroin and may be used in other illicit drugs commonly used. NSW Health chief addiction medicine specialist Dr Kate Conigrave said these drugs were extremely dangerous, as they could be hundreds of times more potent than heroin and could cause severe overdose or death. “Nitazenes are extremely potent and can vary widely in their strength,“ Dr Conigrave. “As they are illicit and unregulated, there is no way of knowing what type of nitazene is present or what dosage is being taken. “The strength and contents can vary widely, even within the same batch. “So it is extremely important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose. “Opioids can cause pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing/snoring and skin turning blue/grey, and can be life-threatening.”