Fentanyl found in heroin sample8 May 2026ACTFentanyl Heroin OpioidsTwo brown powder samples expected to contain heroin were found to contain fentanyl, phenacetin, paracetamol, heroin (6% in one sample, 10% in the other), and fluorofentanyl. The samples were sourced locally (ACT region). What does this mean? Fentanyl carries the risk of fatal, opioid-like overdose, estimated to be between 50 and 100 times stronger than morphine and significantly more potentRead notification
Protonitazene found in heroin sample3 Apr 2026ACTHeroin Nitazenes OpioidsA white powder sample, expected to contain heroin, was found to contain protonitazene instead with a trace amount of heroin. The sample was sourced locally (ACT region). What does this mean? Protonitazene is a highly potent synthetic opioid, estimated to be more than 200 times stronger than morphine. All nitazenes carry a risk of fatal overdose – even in smallRead notification
Multiple opioid overdoses following use of cocaine30 Mar 2026NSWCocaine Opioids StimulantsSix people recently presented to hospitals in Sydney and Western NSW with opioid overdoses after using what they thought was cocaine. Know the risks Effects to look out for Getting help If you or your friends see the warning signs of overdose: Take Home Naloxone program Support and advice For free and confidential advice:Read notification
Heroin found in sample expected to contain ketamine11 Mar 2026VICDissociatives Heroin Ketamine OpioidsThe Victorian Pill Testing Service has detected heroin in a sample expected to contain ketamine. There were no other compounds detected in the sample. Using heroin when you are expecting ketamine could lead to life threatening overdose, especially in people who have never or rarely used opioids. Risks of overdose are significantly increased when mixed with other depressants like alcohol,Read notification
Heroin sold as ketamine28 Feb 2026ACTDissociatives Heroin Ketamine OpioidsA white powder sample expected to contain ketamine was found to contain heroin.This sample was tested in ACT but was purchased in Sydney. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OVERODSE Effects and signs of heroin (opioid) overdose – lowered/loss of consciousness, breathing slowly, tiny/pinpoint pupils, discoloured lips or nails, cold or clammy skin, choking/coughing/gurgling or snoring sounds. TEST YOUR STUFF Always assumeRead notification
Toxic ‘alkaloid’ poppies diverted from a regulated crop21 Feb 2026VICOpioidsAlkaloid poppies produce unpredictable, potentially life-threatening effects. A significant quantity of alkaloid poppy plant ‘heads’ (pictured), grown for the pharmaceutical industry, was recently stolen from a property in Victoria. These poppies are very different from traditional opioid poppies and contain dangerously high concentrations of thebaine and oripavine, with risk of life-threatening toxicity. They contain only tiny (‘trace’) amounts of traditional opioids like morphine and codeine. Thebaine is veryRead notification