A drug supposedly more powerful than heroin is making the rounds, and there’s little being discussed about it.
In the last 24 hours, it’s been reported that a deadly drug is back on the scene. Nitazenes is a dangerous narcotic which was first introduced around 60 years ago as a medical alternative to Morphine. In recent weeks, the drug has returned to the market as a street opioid sold on an app called Telegram.
What are Nitazenes?
Nitazenes come in many shapes and sizes. It can be sold as white powder, pills, or even crystallised. It’s also typical for the drug to have traces of heroin, ketamine, and synthetic cannabinoids.
Unlike other class A drugs such as MDMA, mushrooms or LSD, Nitazenes don’t have a psychedelic effect. They’re mainly used as a solution for extreme pain relief. As a result, taking the drug results in immense drowsiness and reduced stress. Misuse can cause people to break out in feverish symptoms, from intense sweats to vomiting profusely. And overuse can result in full-body discolouration, passing out, or even death.
In 2024, the National Crime Agency (NCA) shared that 333 fatalities were linked to the use of Nitazenes. Since then, King’s College of London has reported that the death stats for this drug could have been undercalculated by a whole third.
What is Telegram?
Telegram is a multi-platform social media messaging app. First launched in 2013, its immediate release wasn’t hugely successful. However, it has since become a staple for teenagers to communicate on. In its 13 year tenancy, Telegram has stirred up negative conversations about its social impact.
In 2024, The Guardian shared that young adults were using the app to organise riots in the UK. The same year, its CEO, Pavel Durov, made headlines for his arrest due to suspicious activity on the app. It’s been reported that the app has very few regulations in place for the safety and privacy of its users. As it’s commonly known, Telegraph lacks encryption and has instead invested a lot in cryptocurrency.
What’s the link between Nitazenes and the Telegram app?
More movement has been seen on the Telegram app with thousands of teenagers liaising with American dealers for the distribution of the drug.
Additionally, since the drug is mostly distributed through this app, it’s targeting the younger generation at large. While lots of teens have been engaging in the selling and taking of the drug, there have also been incidents of the younger generation unknowingly taking it.
As the drug can be found in numerous formats, it’s reported to have been leaked into other drugs. An early example of this is the tragic passing of Dylan Rocha. A 21-year-old musician and student from Southampton died in July 2021 after unknowingly taking the drug.
What dangers does this drug present to the younger generation?
Since Nitazenes are known to be exchanged using the Telegram app, it poses a huge threat to the younger generation. Specified as a class A drug that is more detrimental than heroin, the side effects of using this drug can be long-lasting. Making it almost impossible for users to recover from. Since teenagers have weaker immune systems, this could also pose a challenge for successful rehabilitation.
What happens next?
Seeing as Nitazenes seem to be mostly accessible through Telegram, one of the best solutions to combat this epidemic would be the strict ban and termination of the app in the UK. Additionally, research reports should be brought forward to be shown at school assemblies to raise awareness of the impact of this drug. While drug laws don’t typically have a groundbreaking effect on the distribution and use of these materials, they can also raise awareness.
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Laviea Thomas is an experienced freelance journalist based in London. With an interest in writing about music, culture, film, and entertainment, Laviea’s expertise often lies in exploring niche areas such as the rock and metal scene and championing Black representation in music and journalism. Her work can be seen in print, digital and broadcast formats, with bylines in NME, The Quietus, Metal Hammer and more.
She has experience in marketing and social media roles. Both of which have helped develop her SEO writing skills, newsletter curation, weekly calendar ideations and scheduling, and using analytical reports as a benchmark for maximising on content outreach.
Over the years, Laviea has been an active panellist discussing fundamental conversations in the music industry, such as diversity and inclusion, and the importance of grassroots venues. She has been a panel guest for Kerrang! Focus Wales Festival, Future Yard and more.
Additionally, she has been a repeat panel voter for the BRIT Awards, including their 'Rising Star' category. In 2025, she made her debut on the MOBO Awards voting academy. In previous years, she has worked with PRS Foundation, Future PLC, Festival Republic, and the Heavy Music Awards.
Between 2024 and 2025, Laviea developed her broadcast journalism skills in on-screen content for Slayer, Boomtown and Download Festival. A space she hopes to continue growing in. In addition, she has adapted event planning and hosting skills, with the organisation and presentation of Abbey Road Institute's Alumni Networking Event and 10th Anniversary Party.
With seven years of experience in the music industry, Laviea has gained a broad palette of expertise in journalism, social media, creative copywriting, marketing and music PR.
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