In an Australian first, the NSW Police Force Drug & Firearms Squad have charged a man with allegedly supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid under Strike Force Southminster.
Strike Force Southminster was established by State Crime Command's Drug & Firearms Squad to investigate the supply of nitazenes across Sydney.
Extensive inquiries allegedly uncovered evidence of a 20-year-old man running a sophisticated illicit drug distribution model to facilitate the supply of the nitazene in vape liquid vials between March and July 2025.
Following extensive inquiries, about 12.10pm on Friday 1 August 2025, strike force detectives – with assistance from the Public Order & Riot Squad – executed a search warrant in Revesby.
At the address, police located electronics, vape hardware, vials and $7180 in cash.
Two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon were also seized to undergo further forensic examination.
Simultaneously, a 20-year-old man was arrested at Liverpool Police Station where he was charged with supply prohibited drug >= commercial quantity and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail and appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday 2 August 2025, where he was formally refused bail to appear in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday 24 September 2025.
On Monday 4 August 2024, the safe that police seized at Revesby was opened and found to contain a further 1.8 kilograms of nitazene, bringing the total amount of nitazene seized throughout the investigation to 2.1 kilograms.
Police will allege in court the man was involved in the sale, preparation and distribution of the vials – marketed as 'supercharged' – for profit.
Detective Superintendent John Watson, Commander of the Drug & Firearms Squad, said the fact these substances are being distributed in vape liquid is deeply concerning.
"Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal. By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency – hooking users to ensure repeat business. It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven," Det Supt Watson said.
"This is the first time in Australia someone has been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, which demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade, but our squad is constantly adapting to meet these emerging threats head-on."
"This is also an important time to remind the public that vaping nicotine without a prescription is illegal in NSW – and when you buy illicit vapes, you have no idea what's inside. You could be inhaling dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, or in this case, a synthetic opioid that's stronger than fentanyl.
"If you're concerned about a vape product you've used or purchased, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. The public are also urged to report suspicious products to Crime Stoppers; your information could prevent serious harm being done to others."
NSW Health's Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr Hester Wilson said NSW Health is concerned about the risk of harm from potent synthetic opioids such as nitazenes.
"We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl."
"It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond. Opioid overdose symptoms can include pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring or skin turning blue or grey. If you witness someone experiencing any of these symptoms after using drugs, give naloxone if you have it, and call Triple Zero (000) immediately."
