Canberra's pill testing service has detected the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl for the first time.
CanTEST analysed a brown sample and found it contained paracetamol, caffeine, heroin, 6-MAM and fentanyl.
Fentanyl, which can be about 100 times stronger than morphine, is prescribed legally in Australia for severe pain but can be illegally trafficked.
"This is the first time fentanyl has been detected at CanTEST," a statement on social media said.
"Fentanyl carries the risk of fatal overdose."
Fentanyl can cause an opioid-overdose. Signs of an overdose include:
- lowered or loss of consciousness,
- snoring,
- tiny or pinpoint pupils,
- discoloured lips or nails,
- cold or clammy skin and
- choking, coughing or gurgling sounds.
"Fentanyl can cause multiple overdoses over time and people who experience a fentanyl overdose require ongoing monitoring," the CanTEST statement said.
"Naloxone CAN reverse a fentanyl overdose, but several doses may be required. Never use alone and always keep naloxone on hand."
In the event of a suspected overdose, call 000.
Fentanyl overdose deaths more than tripled in the United States between 2016 and 2021.
The CanTEST pill testing service has been operating since 2022. It is a free and confidential service that allows people to have a sample of their drugs tested to discover what substances they contain as part of a harm-reduction strategy.
Pills, capsules, powders, crystals, liquids and blotters can all be tested. CanTEST may not be able to test some things, like plant material, formulated steroids or dilute solutions.
Earlier in September, CanTEST issued a red alert for a synthetic opioid thought to be 1000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl, known as N-pyrrolidino isotonitazene.
