Nitazene Opioids Found In Counterfeit Tablets In Zurich

Nitazenes have been detected in individual cases involving medication orders from the internet. The substance was recently identified in Zurich in March. Authorities warned that if counterfeit medications containing nitazenes are consumed by individuals without opioid tolerance, it can lead to rapid respiratory depression or fatal poisoning. Nitazenes have not yet reached the street drug market in Switzerland. Health authorities in Basel and Zurich are facing challenges regarding nitazene, a group of different substances that undergo constant developments and changes. Philipp Ruckmann stated that track-checking services must prepare with specific tests for these substances. The evolving nature of the nitazene group requires continuous adaptation of testing methods. Currently, they have only been detected in isolated cases involving internet orders. Regine Steinauer, head of the addiction department at the Basel Health Department, stated that laboratories have prepared various reference substances for testing. Steinauer noted that the group of nitazene variants is infinitely large.