Health authorities issue urgent New Year’s Eve warning after fake cocaine death in New South Wales

Just hours out from a citywide celebration to ring in 2025, New South Wales’ health authorities have issued a public warning following a fake cocaine overdose death.

NSW Health issued the alert on December 31, saying three people had been hospitalised in the past week after consuming what they thought was cocaine.

Instead the white powder contained bromazolam, a depressant drug, and 2C-B, a hallucinogenic.

“Two people have been hospitalised and one person has died in NSW as a result of overdose in the past week,” NSW Health said.

“The cases experienced severe sedative effects and altered behaviour.”

NSW Poisons Information Centre Acting Medical Director Professor Andrew Dawson said anyone who experiences unexpected sedative effects should seek medical care immediately.

“‘If you are feeling unwell, stay with friends or around other people. Don’t go home alone to sleep it off,” he said.

These symptoms include difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing and skin turning blue or grey.

Professor Dawson said although naloxone does not reverse the effects of benzodiazepines or hallucinogens, it is safe to use if concerned someone has overdosed.

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