SA - Public drug warning: Potent synthetic opioids classed as nitazenes
Potent synthetic opioids classed as ‘nitazenes’ have been seized in South Australia and could be present in illicit drugs.
Nitazenes may be mixed in with other substances, including methamphetamine or GHB. You cannot tell if nitazenes are present just by looking at your drugs.
Even tiny amounts of nitazenes can cause overdose and death.
Seized in Adelaide:
- South Australia Police (SAPOL) has announced the seizure of large quantities ofnitazenes in Adelaide.
- Nitazenes are strong synthetic opioids that include isotonitazene, metonitazene, etazene and protonitazene.
- Nitazenes have caused hospitalisations and a death in Adelaide this year.
If you are taking drugs, please remember to:
- be cautious if buying from a new supplier
- if a product looks different to expected be alert
- use smaller quantities and do not use alone
- have Naloxone on hand at all times.
Signs of opioid overdose:
- Tiny (pinned) pupils
- Slowed breathing
- Blue lips/fingernails
- Loss of consciousness and hard to rouse
If you experience adverse drug effects, or are present when someone has an unexpected reaction, seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).
Naloxone is an easy-to-use medication that can reverse opioid overdose. It is safe to use even if you are not sure whether someone has taken opioids. Ask your CNP or AOD worker how to access naloxone today.
If you have questions or would like to talk to someone about alcohol and other drugs, please contact: Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) phone 1300 13 13 40.
Source: https://sandas.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Nitazene-alert-poster.pdf
Emergency: If you are experiencing an emergency, please call an ambulance on 000, or if you need to speak to someone urgently please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.