Counterfeit pain medications have emerged as the latest threat posed by illicit drug importation, as Australian authorities detect a worrying spike in nitazenes.
Nitazenes are an illicit and dangerous synthetic opioid which can cause serious and unpredictable health effects, including overdose which may present as loss of consciousness, shallow or stopped breathing, bluish-purple skin and slow or erratic pulse.
They are considered 10 times more potent than fentanyl and can be distributed as powders, tablets, nasal sprays, and vape liquids.
Nitazenes have been detected in counterfeit pain relief medication in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory in recent months, leading to a renewed warning by the AFP of the dangers of illicit drug use, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
Between April 2024 and February 2025, state and territory police seized counterfeit pharmaceuticals which were almost identical in appearance to oxycodone pills, a pain relief medication available via prescription from a medical professional. Forensic analysis showed the seized counterfeit pharmaceuticals contained nitazenes.
Between January, 2024, and March, 2025, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected eight nitazene imports at the Australian border. The imports originated from countries including Canada, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong and were largely imported via international mail.
There is no evidence to indicate nitazenes are being manufactured in Australia.
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson said there was no safe dosage when it came to nitazenes, and the AFP reminds people to only consume pharmaceuticals which have been prescribed and dispensed by registered health practitioners and pharmacists.
"We cannot understate the dangers which surround any use of this illicit and highly potent drug. If you choose to take it, you are gambling with your life," a/Assistant Commissioner Hudson said.
"Those who consume counterfeit pharmaceuticals have no idea what they are putting in their body and the potential health impacts they could face.
"Synthetic opioids are considered so potent there are also concerns for the safety and welfare of frontline workers, such as nurses, doctors, and law enforcement officers, who could be exposed to the dangerous health impacts when handling these substances or treating people who consume them.
"To any criminal syndicate seeking to profit from this illegal and highly dangerous drug - be warned. The AFP is committed to protecting the community and will identify and prosecute you to the full extent of the law.
"The AFP will continue to work alongside our partners at the ABF, as well as our international law enforcement partners, to combat nitazenes in Australia."
