Alerts - The Know

Cocaine adulterated with protonitazene

Heroin & other opioids

A 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 novel

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Protonitazene sold as ‘3C-P’

Heroin & other opioids

LSD/Psychedelics

A pink and white capsule sold as ‘3C-P’ in Melbourne contains the potent opioid 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 novel synthetic

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25C-NBOMe and 4-FA sold as ‘2C-B’

LSD/Psychedelics

A white powder sold as ‘2C-B’ contains two synthetic drugs with a high risk of toxic effects. 25C-NBOMe and 4-FA are synthetic drugs with psychedelic + stimulant properties 25C-NBOMe is a highly potent synthetic drug. People who have intentionally used this substance report it has unpredictable, stimulating psychedelic effects. The substance has been associated with a substantial number of hospitalisations

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MDMA and other stimulants in hot environments

Nine people recently became unwell after using MDMA at a music event. Some were also exposed to PMMA, synthetic cathinones and/or methamphetamine MDMA (‘ecstasy’) is an empathogen/entactogen stimulant with effects including euphoria and increased sociability, but also increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Seven people who became unwell had specialised blood tests, all of which showed MDMA. Six had

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Metonitazene sold as cocaine

Heroin & other opioids

Note: 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 risk

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