Key safety services set to shut down despite growing concerns
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As Australians, we take pride in our way of life and community. However, a recent finding in wastewater has sparked concern, revealing a potential risk that could impact public safety—just as one state prepares to close two key pill testing sites next month.
A potent synthetic opioid, stronger than fentanyl and significantly more potent than heroin, has been detected for the first time.
This discovery serves as a reminder of the shifting drug landscape and the need for awareness and caution.
A global survey, spearheaded by University of Queensland researcher Dr Richard Bade, has identified two variants of nitazenes—protonitazene and etonitazepyne—in Australia and the United States.
The levels found in Australia were alarmingly higher than those in the US, which is particularly concerning given the opioid crisis that has ravaged North America over the past decade.
Protonitazene is estimated to be three times as strong as fentanyl, while etonitazepyne is a staggering 40 times more powerful.
These substances have been found in a range of illicit drugs, from MDMA and cocaine to counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and are linked to numerous overdose deaths both nationally and overseas.
The survey collected nearly 700 wastewater samples from 68 locations across 22 countries during the New Year period of 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024.
However, traces of nitazenes were only detected in Australia and the United States.
Dr Bade suggests that the Australian results might not correlate with consumption but could indicate the direct disposal of these drugs into the sewage system.
Regardless, their presence on Australian soil is undeniable and troubling.
The Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMAQ) has expressed deep concern over these findings, emphasising the critical role of pill testing services in protecting public health.
'These alarming findings underscore the urgent need for harm reduction strategies, including permanent pill testing services,' AMAQ president Dr Nick Yim said.
'We know fixed pill testing locations are not just about checking the tablets … they provide a life-saving opportunity for individuals to have a conversation with healthcare professionals.'
These sites offer more than just substance analysis; they provide a life-saving opportunity for individuals to engage with healthcare professionals about drug safety.
In the past four months alone, the CheQpoint pill testing service in Queensland has identified two cases of nitazenes disguised as counterfeit oxycodone.
Thankfully, the individuals who brought in these samples chose to dispose of them, indicating that people are not intentionally seeking out these dangerous drugs.
Despite the clear benefits of pill testing services and the looming threat of nitazenes, the Queensland government has decided not to renew the contracts for the state's two pill testing sites located at Bowen Hills and Burleigh.
This decision means these sites will cease operations on 4 April, leaving a significant gap in the state's harm reduction defences.
Cameron Francis, chief executive of The Loop Australia, has expressed disappointment, especially since the University of Queensland is currently conducting an independent evaluation to assess the impact and effectiveness of these services.
The report, which is due on 30 May, could provide valuable insights and recommendations for the future of pill testing in Queensland.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls has remained firm on the government's stance against pill testing.
'We have made it abundantly clear that there is no good way to acquire drugs in the shadows, under the counter, and we don't believe that pill testing is going to resolve those issues,' he argued.
'That's been our policy position.'
However, without an early warning system or overdose monitoring in place, Queensland risks being blind to the drugs circulating in the community.
Wastewater analysis offers a population-level monitoring tool, but as Mr Francis points out, by the time drugs are detected in sewage, it's often too late for those who have already consumed them.
'In the absence of drug checking, we don't have another line of defence,' he said.
'Wastewater analysis is a great option that gives us population level monitoring, but unfortunately, at that point, it's too late because people have already taken them.'
'We know there's significant community support for drug checking, so we are going to have to call upon that community support to keep us going,'
'We are concerned for the safety of the community … that concern isn't going away.'
As we face the closure of these pill testing sites, it's more important than ever to stay informed about the risks in our backyards.
If you're concerned about the presence of dangerous drugs in your area, reach out to local health services for information and support.
And remember, the safety of our community depends on each of us being proactive and looking out for one another.
Credit: Instagram
With pill testing sites closing in Queensland, what other measures can help monitor and reduce the risks of synthetic opioids? How can awareness and harm reduction efforts be improved to prevent overdoses and protect communities? Let us know in the comments below.
A potent synthetic opioid, stronger than fentanyl and significantly more potent than heroin, has been detected for the first time.
This discovery serves as a reminder of the shifting drug landscape and the need for awareness and caution.
A global survey, spearheaded by University of Queensland researcher Dr Richard Bade, has identified two variants of nitazenes—protonitazene and etonitazepyne—in Australia and the United States.
The levels found in Australia were alarmingly higher than those in the US, which is particularly concerning given the opioid crisis that has ravaged North America over the past decade.
Protonitazene is estimated to be three times as strong as fentanyl, while etonitazepyne is a staggering 40 times more powerful.
Two pill testing sites in Queensland are set to be closed despite the detection of potent opioids in wastewater. Credit: microgen / iStock
These substances have been found in a range of illicit drugs, from MDMA and cocaine to counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and are linked to numerous overdose deaths both nationally and overseas.
The survey collected nearly 700 wastewater samples from 68 locations across 22 countries during the New Year period of 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024.
However, traces of nitazenes were only detected in Australia and the United States.
Dr Bade suggests that the Australian results might not correlate with consumption but could indicate the direct disposal of these drugs into the sewage system.
Regardless, their presence on Australian soil is undeniable and troubling.
The Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMAQ) has expressed deep concern over these findings, emphasising the critical role of pill testing services in protecting public health.
'These alarming findings underscore the urgent need for harm reduction strategies, including permanent pill testing services,' AMAQ president Dr Nick Yim said.
'We know fixed pill testing locations are not just about checking the tablets … they provide a life-saving opportunity for individuals to have a conversation with healthcare professionals.'
These sites offer more than just substance analysis; they provide a life-saving opportunity for individuals to engage with healthcare professionals about drug safety.
In the past four months alone, the CheQpoint pill testing service in Queensland has identified two cases of nitazenes disguised as counterfeit oxycodone.
Thankfully, the individuals who brought in these samples chose to dispose of them, indicating that people are not intentionally seeking out these dangerous drugs.
Despite the clear benefits of pill testing services and the looming threat of nitazenes, the Queensland government has decided not to renew the contracts for the state's two pill testing sites located at Bowen Hills and Burleigh.
This decision means these sites will cease operations on 4 April, leaving a significant gap in the state's harm reduction defences.
Cameron Francis, chief executive of The Loop Australia, has expressed disappointment, especially since the University of Queensland is currently conducting an independent evaluation to assess the impact and effectiveness of these services.
The report, which is due on 30 May, could provide valuable insights and recommendations for the future of pill testing in Queensland.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls has remained firm on the government's stance against pill testing.
'We have made it abundantly clear that there is no good way to acquire drugs in the shadows, under the counter, and we don't believe that pill testing is going to resolve those issues,' he argued.
'That's been our policy position.'
However, without an early warning system or overdose monitoring in place, Queensland risks being blind to the drugs circulating in the community.
Wastewater analysis offers a population-level monitoring tool, but as Mr Francis points out, by the time drugs are detected in sewage, it's often too late for those who have already consumed them.
'In the absence of drug checking, we don't have another line of defence,' he said.
'Wastewater analysis is a great option that gives us population level monitoring, but unfortunately, at that point, it's too late because people have already taken them.'
'We know there's significant community support for drug checking, so we are going to have to call upon that community support to keep us going,'
'We are concerned for the safety of the community … that concern isn't going away.'
As we face the closure of these pill testing sites, it's more important than ever to stay informed about the risks in our backyards.
If you're concerned about the presence of dangerous drugs in your area, reach out to local health services for information and support.
And remember, the safety of our community depends on each of us being proactive and looking out for one another.
Credit: Instagram
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