In a groundbreaking case in Australia, a 20-year-old man from Revesby, Sydney, has been charged by NSW Police for allegedly supplying vape liquid laced with the highly potent synthetic opioid nitazene. The man was apprehended during a raid conducted by Strike Force Southminster on Friday. Police uncovered several items, including vape hardware, vials, and a significant sum of cash amounting to $7,180.
Additionally, authorities seized two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon, both of which will undergo forensic examination. This operation forms part of a larger investigation into the distribution of nitazene across Sydney, with police alleging that the accused operated a sophisticated drug supply network from March to July.
The charges levelled against the man include supplying a prohibited drug in a commercial quantity and dealing with the proceeds of crime. Following his court appearance on Saturday, the accused was denied bail and is set to return to court next month.
In a further development, officers discovered an additional 1.8 kilograms of nitazene in a safe confiscated during the raid, which raised the total amount seized in this investigation to 2.1 kilograms. The police assert that the man was involved in the sale, preparation, and distribution of these “supercharged” vials for profit.
Detective Superintendent John Watson, head of the NSW Police Drug and Firearms Squad, expressed deep concern about the presence of such substances in vape liquid. He noted that nitazenes are not only highly addictive but also carry significant risks of lethality. By infusing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are allegedly creating dependency among users, ensuring a continuous cycle of consumption driven by profit motives.
Watson highlighted that this charge marks a disturbing turn in the illicit drug trade in Australia, signalling the need for law enforcement to remain vigilant and responsive to emerging threats. Support for the community is also being stressed, with NSW Health’s chief addiction medicine specialist, Hester Wilson, cautioning residents about the dangers of synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which can be even more potent than fentanyl.
Wilson emphasised the importance of recognising the early signs of an opioid overdose, which may include symptoms like pinpoint pupils, profound drowsiness, loss of consciousness, irregular breathing, and a bluish or grey tinge to the skin. Awareness and timely intervention can be crucial in these situations as authorities and health professionals work to combat the challenges posed by synthetic opioids in society.