A “potent synthetic opioid” detected in fake oxycodone tablets has been seized at the border, prompting a warning from health officials.
The substances come from a class of highly potent synthetic opioids called nitazenes, which may have been linked to several deaths in New Zealand since 2022, according to the drug warning service High Alert.
Testing on the yellow and green tablets revealed they contained either N-pyrrolidine isotonitazene or N-pyrrolidine protonitazene – substances with a potency similar to or greater than fentanyl.
High Alert said there were concerns the drugs were being represented and sold as legitimate oxycodone tablets.
“Both N-pyrrolidino isotonitazene and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene are more potent than oxycodone meaning people consuming these tablets believing them to contain oxycodone are at significant risk of harm, including death, even from a single tablet,” it said.
It is unknown whether the tablets are currently in circulation or if there may be further attempts to import them into New Zealand.
“It is important to never assume that what you have is the same as what you are being told it is. Misrepresentation can occur anywhere along the supply chain,” High Alert said.
The circular pills seized by Customs officers came in yellow and green colours and were inscribed with “40” on one side and “OP” on the other – inscriptions found on genuine oxycodone. The substance may also be available as a yellow or green powder.
The service urged “extreme caution” to anyone who chose to take the tablets and recommended drug checking as a way to help minimise harm. Because fentanyl test strips can’t detect the substances, High Alert is recommending people use Nitazene test strips, which can be ordered from the NZ Drug Foundation.
Symptoms of N-pyrrolidine isotonitazene and N-pyrrolidine protonitazene are likely similar to other synthetic opioids.
They include feeling euphoric or in a ‘dreamlike’ state; sedation (‘the nod’ – being drowsy and then jerking awake); temporary relief of pain, stress, or low mood; severe nausea and/or vomiting; severe sweating or fever; slowed and/or difficulty breathing; blue lips and/or fingertips; cold and clammy skin; pinpoint (tiny) pupils; seizures; and becoming unresponsive and/or losing consciousness.
Taking too high a dose of the drug could cause an opioid overdose.
Signs of an opioid overdose include a pale face that could feel clammy to touch; a limp body; fingernails and/or lips turning purple or blue; vomiting or gurgling noises; being unable to be woken up or speak; pupils becoming very small; or breathing and/or heartbeat slowing or stopping.
Anyone who experiences opioid overdose symptoms after taking the substance has been advised to call 111 and ask for an ambulance immediately, High Alert said.
“Tell them what you think has been taken and that it could be an opioid overdose. Be honest about your drug use. You won’t get in trouble, and it could save you or your friends’ life.”
High Alert said naloxone can be used to help reverse an opioid overdose.
“Given the potency and duration of effect, any person administered naloxone should continue to be monitored for at least two hours and followed up by medical services.”
Anyone who decides to take the drug has been recommended by High Alert not to use it alone, take it in lower doses, slow its onset by swallowing, avoid using it with other substances, and have naloxone with you.
“Remember, nitazenes can be fast-acting, and you may not initially realise you require naloxone. Have someone with you who can administer naloxone if needed because you will not be able to administer it by yourself.”
