Medetomidine found in ‘Xanax Bars’ expected to contain flualprazolam (new samples)July 27, 2026VICBenzodiazepines Depressants MedetomodineTwo new separate samples were recently submitted. As with the two samples reported on 18 May, no flualprazolam was detected. The samples were found to contain only medetomidine, ethylflualprazolam, and denatonium. What is medetomidine? Medetomidine is a non-opioid sedative. It is very potent– consuming a small amount canresult in heavy sedation. When mixed with benzos, such as ethylflualprazolam or other central nervous system depressants, risk of heavy sedation or overdoseRead notification
Heroin found in methamphetamine and cocaine products across VictoriaJuly 1, 2026VICAmphetamines Cocaine Heroin Opioids StimulantsHeroin is an opioid that can produce life-threatening toxic effects in very small amounts Death and serious harms from heroin overdose have occurred after use of cocaine and methamphetamine in Victoria. One person has died and multiple people in four separate incidents across Victoria have required emergency care because they experienced heroin overdose after using what they thought was cocaineRead notification
Caffeine, chloroquine, ketamine, & heroin found in ‘oxycodone’ sampleJune 1, 2026ACTDissociatives Heroin Ketamine Opioids OxycodoneA yellow powder sample expected to contain oxycodone was instead found to contain caffeine, chloroquine, ketamine, 6-MAM, acetylcodeine and heroin. No oxycodone was detected. Effects This combination in a single sample could be particularly unpredictable, with an increased risk of overdose: Heroin & ketamine are both sedating. Heroin’s a depressant that suppresses breathing and ketamine can increase sedation and dissociation.Read notification
Heroin found in cocaine products across MelbourneMay 22, 2026VICCocaine Heroin Opioids StimulantsHeroin is an opioid that can produce life-threatening toxic effects – especially if you don’t usually use opioids Three people in separate incidents have recently required emergency care because they experienced heroin overdose after using what they thought was cocaine. Specialised blood tests showed evidence of heroin as well as cocaine, suggesting that heroin is likely to have been mixed into cocaine products (‘adulteration’).Read notification
Medetomidine found in ‘Xanax Bars’ expected to contain flualprazolamMay 19, 2026VICBenzodiazepines Depressants MedetomodineTwo separate samples were submitted. No flualprazolam was detected. The samples were found to contain only medetomidine, ethylflualprazolam, and denatonium What is medetomidine? Medetomidine is a non-opioid sedative. It is very potent– consuming a small amount canresult in heavy sedation. When mixed with benzos, such as ethylflualprazolam or other central nervous system depressants, risk of heavy sedation or overdose increases.Read notification
Rilmazafone found in ‘benzo’ pillApril 28, 2026ACTBenzodiazepines DepressantsA round green pill with an ’86’ press on one side and a stylised ‘R’ logo on the other (resembling a generic alprazolam tablet prescribed in the US), expected to contain a benzodiazepine, was found to be a counterfeit, containing rilmazafone. Rilmazafone is a benzodiazepine prodrug, meaning the body converts the substance into a benzo after consumption (rilmazolam). Because ofRead notification