The synthetic opioids called nitazenes have been found in counterfeit pain medication in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT over the past few months.

The drug can cause “serious and unpredictable health issues”, according to the AFP, including overdoses, loss of consciousness, shallow or stopped breathing, blue-purple skin and an erratic pulse.

“We cannot understate the dangers which surround any use of this illicit and highly potent drug,” AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson said.

“If you choose to take it, you are gambling with your life.

“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.”

Nitazenes are ten times more potent than fentanyl.

They can be distributed as a powder, tablet, nasal spray or vape liquid.

The drug has been found in several instances.

Between April 2024 and February 2025, police seized counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs which “were almost identical in appearance” to oxycodone pills, a prescription pain relief medicine.

However, forensics uncovered the pills actually contained nitazenes. 

The AFP said most of the nitazenes seized have come from Canada, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, with no evidence they are being manufactured in Australia.

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