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Updated: May 12, 2026

On-line Analysis of Nitrogen Containing Compounds in Complex Hydrocarbon Matrixes
Published on: August 5, 2016
Availability of nitazenes via cryptomarkets and surface web shops: An observational study
Nicola Man1, Monica J Barratt1,2, Rachel Sutherland1
1National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Nitazene availability increased on dark web markets from 2021-2024, with shifting origins and forms. These findings highlight the need for continuous digital monitoring and robust public health strategies for novel synthetic opioids.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Digital Forensics
- Public Health
Background:
- Nitazenes are potent synthetic opioids with increasing global concern.
- Their availability on illicit markets poses significant public health risks.
- Understanding market dynamics is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the availability and characteristics of nitazenes on international cryptomarkets and surface web shops.
- To identify the countries of origin and destination for advertised nitazene products.
- To track changes in nitazene market trends over time.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of 34 cryptomarkets and 10 surface web shops from October 2021 to September 2024.
- Analysis of drug listings, focusing on nitazenes, their origin, destination, and form.
- Joinpoint regression for cryptomarket data and descriptive analysis for surface web shops.
Main Results:
- Nitazene listings increased on cryptomarkets (MPC=1.7%), with a decrease in availability for Australian delivery (MPC=-2.1%).
- Origin shifted from Asia to North America, while isotonitazene and protonitazene increased, and metonitazene declined.
- Powder remained dominant, but pills significantly increased (MPC=11.8%); 70% of surface web shops offered Australian delivery.
Conclusions:
- Nitazene markets show dynamic shifts in origin, type, and form, necessitating ongoing digital surveillance.
- These insights underscore the importance of harm reduction strategies and public health communication for novel synthetic opioids.
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