Cocaine adulterated with protonitazene2 Jul 2024VICCocaine Heroin & other opioidsA white powder sold in Melbourne as cocaine contains the potent opioid in ‘protonitazene’. Protonitazene is a novel synthetic opioid that can produce life-threatening toxic effects in very small amounts Opioids are central nervous system depressants, typically producing a range of effects including pain relief, sedation and respiratory depression (dangerously slow breathing). Respiratory depression often appears more quickly with novelRead notification
Metonitazene sold as cocaine4 Aug 2023VICCocaine Heroin & other opioidsNote: White powder containing the potent opioid ‘metonitazene’ has been mis-sold as cocaine in Melbourne. Metonitazene is a novel synthetic opioid Opioids are central nervous system depressants. They typically produce a range of effects including sedation, short-term pain relief, and respiratory depression (where breathing slows or stops). Respiratory depression often appears more quickly with novel synthetic opioids (NSOs), increasing the riskRead notification
Novel stimulants sold as MDMA, cocaine or speed5 May 2023VICAmphetamines Cocaine MDMA/EcstasySynthetic cathinones and PMMA are circulating in a range of forms in Victoria There have been a number of recent emergency department presentations linked to these substances in Victoria, particularly in the Melbourne and Bendigo areas. Cathinones and PMMA have an increased risk of negative effects Both synthetic cathinones and PMMA can produce similar effects to common stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine or MDMA but appear to haveRead notification
High potency benzodiazepine tablets5 May 2022VICBenzodiazepinesNote: Round, white, unmarked tablets – likely sold as ‘Mylan’ or ‘Xanax’ – are circulating in Victoria. They contain five novel benzodiazepines. Novel benzodiazepines (benzos) produce some similar effects to prescription benzos but are often more potent and unpredictable. Five different novel benzos have been detected in these tablets: bromazolam, clonazolam, etizolam, flualprazolam and flubromazepam. These tablets are not aRead notification