Australian police and health authorities warn about the dangers of nitazenes, a synthetic opioid 500 times stronger than morphine.

The Australian National Substance Misuse (ANSM) has banned the production, sale, and use of nitazenes due to their potent effects, which can lead to overdoses and deaths.

Nitazenes are primarily emerging from China and are linked to a decrease in opium production in Afghanistan.

The ban follows the deaths of four people in Melbourne from suspected nitazene overdoses, raising concerns about the drug being laced in other substances like MDMA, ketamine, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

The difficulty in detecting nitazenes complicates identifying users, leading to serious health concerns and fatalities.

Police investigations have confirmed the presence of synthetic opioids in the deceased victims' systems.

Authorities are emphasizing the importance of drug checking services to prevent further tragedies, and users are advised to have naloxone kits for emergencies.

Australian police are actively working to intercept parcels containing nitazenes in mail shipments to prevent their distribution in the country.