Detection and characterisation of a new nitazene analogue, butodesnitazene: A collaborative approach to the identification of novel psychoactive substances through Drug Checking

The presence of novel psychoactive substances in international drug markets has become commonplace. Misrepresentation of illicit drugs is also common, leading to initiatives such as Drug Checking, which aim to reduce drug-related harm by providing scientific testing of unknown substances. Drug Checking is legal in New Zealand and has led to numerous detections of potentially dangerous substances circulating in the community, including nitazenes which are highly potent synthetic opioids. This paper describes the detection and characterisation of a novel nitazene analogue, butodesnitazene, which had been sold as heroin and subsequently submitted for Drug Checking in Auckland, New Zealand. Analysis methods used by chemistry laboratories and those suited to in-field analysis have been utilised to provide guidance to enable future detections. This is the second novel drug detection in recent months in New Zealand that has arisen from Drug Checking. This highlights the benefits of this legalised service in reducing drug-related harm through increased public awareness of potentially dangerous drugs and drug trends.