Killer cocaine warning over fears lethal batch is tainted with heroin – as two people drop dead and two others are hospitalised
Two people have died and two others have been hospitalized after overdosing on drugs, initially thought to be cocaine, but it turned out to be heroin.
The deaths prompted an urgent warning from NSW Health about the dangers of illicit drugs whose strength and content are unknown and inconsistent.
Dr Hester Wilson, head of addiction services at NSW Health, said fatal heroin overdoses could easily result from a single line.
“It’s important for people to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond,” he said.
‘Opioids such as heroin can cause constricted pupils, drowsiness, unconsciousness, slowed breathing/snoring, and blue/gray skin and can be life-threatening.
‘Heroin and other opioids can be sold as or contained in cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).
‘You can’t always tell these drugs apart just by looking at them.
‘Given this discovery, people who use drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA or opioids should carry naloxone.’
Two people have died and two others have been hospitalized after overdosing on drugs initially thought to be cocaine but turned out to be heroin
If you see someone showing unexpected symptoms after drug use, you should call Triple 0 immediately or seek immediate medical attention.
Experts also advise carrying naloxone. This medication should be administered immediately as an important, life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioids.
Naloxone is available without a prescription and is free to anyone in NSW at risk of an opioid overdose.
It is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection at some pharmacies and other health care facilities.