<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>In an Australian first, NSW Police have charged a man with allegedly supplying highly potent nitazene-laced vape liquid.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The 20-year-old was arrested last Friday when officers from Strike Force Southminster raided a property at Revesby in Sydney's south-west.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Detectives also found electronics, vape hardware, vials and $7180 in cash.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-teachers-strike-wednesday-august-6-over-pay-and-safety/4240b406-d865-40d1-ab86-30af1a4d2ec5" target="_blank"><strong><span>'We've hit breaking point': Queensland teachers strike over pay and safety</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon were also seized to undergo further forensic examination.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Strike Force Southminster was set up to investigate the supply of nitazene across Sydney.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Police allege the man was running a sophisticated drug supply network of nitazene in vape liquid vials between March and July.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-man-with-charged-with-supplying-nitazene-laced-vape-liquid/a37bb278-6c8d-4438-8cac-36d9d2be35d2" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>He has been charged with supplying a prohibited drug in commercial quantity and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>During a court appearance last Saturday, he was refused bail and is due to front court again next month.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/bali-speedboat-capsize-leaves-at-least-two-people-dead/a63e1881-3429-4d4b-865a-0e83e27d93e4" target="_blank"><strong><span>Two people killed, one missing in Bali speedboat crash</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>On Monday, a safe that police seized at Revesby was opened and found to contain a further 1.8kg of nitazene, bringing the total amount of nitazene seized throughout the investigation to 2.1kg.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Police will allege in court the man was involved in the sale, preparation and distribution of the vials – marketed as "supercharged" – for profit.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Detective Superintendent John Watson, commander of the NSW Police drug and firearms squad, said the fact these substances are being distributed in vape liquid was deeply concerning.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal. By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency – hooking users to ensure repeat business. It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This is the first time in Australia someone has been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, which demonstrates a disturbing evolution in the illicit drug trade, but our squad is constantly adapting to meet these emerging threats head-on."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>NSW Health's chief addiction medicine specialist Hester Wilson said residents should be aware synthetic opioids, such as nitazenes, can be stronger than fentanyl.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Opioid overdose symptoms can include pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slow breathing/snoring or skin turning blue or grey."</span></div></div>