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.
