A public health warning has been issued in Queensland after teddy bear-shaped pills laced with synthetic opioids known as nitazenes were linked to a death. The pills, pale yellow and marked with the letter 'Y', contained N-pyrrolidino-protonitazene and protonitazene, detected in toxicology samples from the state's south-east.
A Queensland Health spokesperson confirmed the detection relates to a coronial investigation but declined further comment on the fatality. Nitazenes are described as 'very strong synthetic opioids' that can cause life-threatening toxicity in small amounts, including extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, coma, and respiratory failure.
The warning is the second this year, following the detection of protodesnitazene in March. The Australian Federal Police have noted a 'worrying spike' in nitazenes, often found in counterfeit pain medications and recreational drugs like cocaine and MDMA.
The alert comes after Queensland passed a law banning pill testing, a move criticised by health experts. Cameron Francis of Loop Australia warned the ban would cost lives, as it removes early warning systems for dangerous substances.
Queensland Health advises that naloxone can reverse nitazene effects, but detection strips are not always reliable. Authorities urge anyone with the pills to dispose of them safely.
