NSW Health Alert: Hidden Opioids in Cocaine Causing Overdoses
30 Mar 2026
Tests showed that some people who thought they were using only cocaine actually had opioids, like heroin, in their system. Some of those affected knew each other.
Dr Darren Roberts from the NSW Poisons Information Centre said it’s important to recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early. These include tiny pupils, extreme sleepiness, slow or irregular breathing, loss of consciousness, and blue-grey skin.
He added that drugs from the illegal market are unpredictable. Opioids can be mixed into cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA, and you can’t always see the difference.
NSW Health recommends that people who use these drugs carry naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. It’s free in NSW, doesn’t need a prescription, and comes as a nasal spray or injection.
If someone becomes unwell after taking drugs, call Triple Zero (000) immediately and give naloxone if available.
Take-home naloxone can be obtained through the Your Room Take Home Naloxone program or mailed discreetly by NUAA (call 02 9171 6650 or order online).
Seeking medical help is safe — you won’t get in trouble. For advice about drug side effects, call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (available 24/7). For support with drug or alcohol concerns, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015.
Stay updated on public drug warnings via NSW Health Drug Alerts.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/
Source: NSW Health