Victoria"s deadly nitazenes: 17 lives lost to synthetic drug

In Victoria, Australia, a synthetic drug known as nitazenes has led to the tragic loss of 17 lives, with many victims unaware they were consuming this potent substance. Nitazenes are reported to be 500 times stronger than heroin and are often mixed into recreational drugs and counterfeit medications. The alarming rise in overdose deaths has prompted health authorities to issue warnings about the dangers of this drug, which has been present in the community since 2021. The case of Jetson Gordon, an 18-year-old who died after taking a pill laced with nitazenes, highlights the devastating impact of this drug. His father, John Gordon, has become an advocate for awareness, expressing his grief and urging others to recognize the risks associated with unknown substances. The family discovered a package containing the drug while cleaning Jetson's room, underscoring the hidden dangers that many young people face. Experts, including Penington Institute's chief executive, have labeled nitazenes as the 'Frankenstein of opioids,' emphasizing their lab-manufactured nature and the lack of safe dosages. Authorities are concerned that without immediate action, Australia could face a significant increase in overdose fatalities, as drug overdose deaths have nearly doubled over the past two decades. The Australian Federal Police have reiterated that nitazenes were never approved for medical use due to their extreme potency. With the community at risk, health officials are calling for increased awareness and preventive measures to combat the potential overdose catastrophe looming over the nation.