Police have seized vape liquids containing nitazene, an dangerous synthetic opioid hundreds of times more potent than heroin and fentanyl, from a home in south-west Sydney.

Council of the City of Sydney

Police in Sydney have seized vape liquid refills containing nitazene, a synthetic opioid described as 10 times stronger than fentanyl and 500 times more potent than heroin. Authorities allege that the substance, dispensed in 10ml vials, was discovered during a raid on a southwest Sydney home, which also uncovered 2.1 kilograms of nitazene.

A 20-year-old man has been charged and is accused of using social media to market the vape fluid, accepting cryptocurrency payments, and providing buyers with videos showing where to collect their purchases. Police estimate the operation generated $500,000 from approximately 1,200 transactions between March and July. Authorities are urging anyone who suspects they have used the substance to stop immediately and seek medical advice.

Police seize vape liquid containing opioid more potent than fentanyl

Well Urshelir, it's 10 times stronger than fentanyl and 500 times more potent than heroin and police believe the supercharged vape liquid refills had no idea what was actually inside. It's called nitazine, just 2ml can be deadly. The vape liquid in question, it's claimed, was dispensed in 10ml vials. Police say they discovered them during a raid of a southwest Sydney home last Friday, which also allegedly turned up 2.1 kilos of the synthetic opioid. A 20-year-old man, who police say was at the centre of the operation, has been charged. Police will allege in court that he was using social media to market the vape fluid, that he received payments via cryptocurrency and would send videos to buyers of where they could find their purchase. An alleged enterprise authorities have described as calculated and profit-driven. The business model itself was completely faceless, it was contactless, it was deliberately creating dependency, hooking customers to repeat business. It's a business police say has turned a profit of $500,000. That was from around 1,200 transactions made by dozens, potentially hundreds of people between March and July this year. Anyone who suspects or is concerned they have inhaled this toxic liquid is being urged to immediately stop using it and to seek medical advice.

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