ACT Policing and ACT Health have issued warnings to Canberrans of a potentially deadly ‘synthetic cocaine’ being sold and distributed throughout the ACT.
The tainted batch is understood to be a mixture of opioids such as fentanyl and heroin, combined with cocaine. This is known to be a possibly life-threatening combination.
ACT Policing has responded to a recent incident involving a teenager who had experienced a dangerous reaction to a substance they consumed.
ACT Health issued an alert last month, warning that the synthetic cocaine that could be in circulation in the ACT has resulted in cases of serious harm and death in NSW.
ACT Policing Detective Acting Inspector Shane Scott reminds Canberrans that illicit drug use is always a high-risk activity, however that risk is heightened if unaware of the mixture of drugs being consumed.
“Taking drugs with no knowledge of their actual substance dramatically increases your chance of hospitalisation or death,” said Detective Acting Inspector Scott.
“ACT Policing’s highest concern is always the health and safety of individuals and the community. To see drugs such as these combined and putting individuals at greater risk makes us more determined to arrest and charge those who sell and profit from illicit drugs.”
If you have information that can assist police about the sale and distribution of drugs in the ACT, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers website. Information can be provided anonymously.
For support and information on drug and alcohol problems, please contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015, a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counselling and information for individuals and concerned others.
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