Overview

• The suspect, Sam Alroubaye, was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of nitazene-laced vape liquid and dealing in proceeds of crime and will return to court on September 24.
• Strike Force Southminster officers seized vape hardware, imitation firearms, $7,180 in cash and 2.1kg of nitazene hidden in vials during raids on August 1 and 4.
• Detective Superintendent John Watson warned that lacing vape liquid with nitazene is a calculated tactic to foster dependency through an opioid far more potent than fentanyl.
• NSW Health chief addiction specialist Hester Wilson urged anyone using recreational drugs to carry naloxone and learn to recognise the signs of opioid overdose.
• Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission intelligence indicates nitazenes are illicitly manufactured in China and trafficked through intermediary countries into Australia.