White powder being sold as an unknown benzodiazepine in the Auckland region has been found to instead contain heroin after a sample was submitted to a drug checking clinic.
High Alert issued a warning today, saying people who took the powder believing it to be a benzodiazepine were at risk of experiencing serious harm and death if taken in large doses.
It said there was no information available on its prevalence outside of Auckland.
“There is a concern that this powder may continue to be sold as a benzodiazepine.
“It is important to never assume that what drug you have is what it has been sold as. Misrepresentation can occur anywhere along the supply chain.”
The substance could be mistaken for a crushed benzodiazepine pill, and if someone took a pill-sized dose of this powder, it could result in an overdose.”
“People who take multiple benzodiazepine pills at the same time may inadvertently take a dangerous amount of heroin.”
Benzodiazepines were a class of drugs commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, with examples including Valium and Xanax.
Heroin and benzodiazepines came from different classes of drugs and produced different effects, High Alert said.
“While both are central nervous system depressants, heroin is a potent opioid and large doses can result in serious harm and death.”
Caution was urged to those who chose to use white powders and drug checking was recommended to reduce the risks.
“If you or someone you know takes a substance thought to be a benzodiazepine and starts to experience unusual effects, call 111.”
Signs of an opioid overdose
- The person’s face is extremely pale and/or feels clammy to the touch
- Their body goes limp
- Their fingernails and/or lips have a purple or blue colour
- They start vomiting or making gurgling noises
- They cannot be awakened or are unable to speak
- Their pupils become very small
- Their breathing and/or heartbeat slows or stops.