ABSTRACT
Introduction
Nitazenes are potent synthetic opioids increasingly detected in illicit drug markets in Australia and globally. Little is known about the pricing of nitazenes, which can influence patterns of use and accessibility. This study examines the price of nitazenes listed for sale via cryptomarkets and surface web shops.
Methods
We collected nitazene listings on English-language cryptomarkets twice monthly from October 2021 to September 2024. Prices per gram (US dollars) were analysed using a multilevel generalised additive model, accounting for nitazene type, quantity, region of origin and delivery availability to Australia. Surface web shops were identified in March 2024 using the search query ‘buy [specific nitazene] Australia’, with data analysed descriptively.
Results
A total of 10,749 pricing observations of nitazene powder were identified across 29 cryptomarkets; 10 surface web shops selling nitazenes were also found. Isotonitazene had the highest median price per gram ($80 USD) among the most frequently listed nitazenes. Cryptomarket prices were significantly higher for listings shipping to Australia and originating from regions outside Asia, although there was variation by nitazene type. Cryptomarket prices trended upwards from 2024 onwards. Substantial quantity discounts were observed across nitazene types. Surface web shop prices were consistently lower than cryptomarkets.
Discussion and Conclusions
Nitazenes are available at relatively low prices across cryptomarkets and surface web shops. Given that price is a key determinant of drug-related harm, these findings reinforce the need to monitor online markets for their role in nitazene supply and to expand harm reduction efforts addressing the risks from these substances.