Suspected opioid overdoses from drug sold as cocaine in Wairarapa

On Monday 10 March, High Alert warned that several people in Wairarapa suffered symptoms consistent with an opioid overdose after taking what they thought was cocaine.

Here’s what we know and how to stay safer.  

What did they take?

At this stage we don’t know what substance was responsible for these overdoses. Based on the people’s symptoms, and the fact they responded well to naloxone (a medicine that reverses opioid overdoses) High Alert believes it was likely an opioid, possibly a potent synthetic opioid like fentanyl or nitazenes. 

These potent drugs can cause overdoses very quickly and in very small amounts (in some cases smaller than a grain of sand). This is why they can be particularly dangerous if they are sold as another drug, such as cocaine. 

What does it look like? 

This specific drug that was sold as cocaine came as a white powder; however, we have seen potent synthetic opioids like nitazenes sold in a variety of forms, including pills, crystals and liquids. The only way to really know what is in your drugs is to take them to a drug checking clinic. You can’t tell what drug you have by its look, smell or taste. 

Exercise particular caution if you plan on taking a white powder.

How can I find out what drug I have?

The only way to know what drug you really have is by going to a drug checking clinic. Drug checking is completely free, legal and confidential and can help you find out what is in your drugs and give you information and advice on how to be safer. These services operate around New Zealand, including most days in our main centres.

If you can’t access a drug checking clinic, you can order free nitazene and fentanyl test strips from our resources page. We’ll send them for free in a plain envelope straight to your letterbox. 

Remember, we don’t know the exact substance in this particular case, so keep in mind that these test strips can only detect the presence of nitazenes or fentanyl and can’t detect other opioids.

How can I stay safer? 

If you are taking any drug that you haven’t had checked, it is really important to know that it might be something different than what it was sold as, even if you regularly get drugs from the same source. 

If you choose to take an unknown substance, particularly a white powder:

• Avoid using alone. Have a sober buddy with you that can get help if you overdose. 
• Carry naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal medicine. If overdosing, you won’t be able to give naloxone to yourself
• Take a very small amount and avoid redosing. Potent synthetic opioids are very hard to dose, even if you know what drug you have. It is best to start with as small an amount as possible
• Avoid mixing with other drugs, especially other depressants like alcohol, GHB/GBL, ketamine, and benzodiazepines
• Swallowing a substance means it has a slower onset than other methods and means there might be more time to get medical help if needed 

If you think you have an opioid sold as another drug, or to anonymously report unusual effects from any drug, head to High Alert.

How can I spot an opioid overdose?

Overdoses from opioids happen can very fast. It is important to know the signs so you can react quickly. 

If someone shows any of these symptoms after taking a substance, call 111 and ask for an ambulance immediately. You should also give them naloxone if you have it (you may need more than one dose).

• The person loses consciousness or becomes unresponsive (can’t wake them up)
• Their breathing is slow or abnormal, or they aren’t breathing at all 
• Their body goes limp
• Their fingernails or lips have a purple or blue colour
• They start vomiting or making gurgling or snoring noises
• Their pupils become very small (pinpoint pupils) 
  
  

How to get and use naloxone

Naloxone is a medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. You may need to give someone more than one dose to reverse the effects of potent synthetic opioids. 

Nyxoid spray

Nasal spray naloxone (Nyxoid) can be purchased directly from Pharmaco. Limited stock is available as this product is leaving the market in June 2025. 

Injectable naloxone 

Injectable naloxone is available for free at needle exchange sites. They will give you a kit and teach you how to use it. You can find a needle exchange location on their website.

Naloxone can also be prescribed by a doctor, or by opioid substitution treatment services (OST). You can enquire with your GP about getting naloxone. 

Check out our handy guides on how to use nasal spray naloxone, and how to use injectable naloxone.