Multiple outlets report that illicit vaping products sold in Melbourne contain a powerful anaesthetic associated with serious effects, including stopping breathing or causing collapse. The reports say the substance was detected in vapes sold through illicit channels, raising concerns about consumer safety and the potential for severe harm if used. The outlets describe the substance in general terms as an anaesthetic capable of depressing breathing function, which can lead to life-threatening outcomes. The articles focus on the detection of the drug in the products rather than on broader health statistics or confirmed incidents involving users. They also frame the issue as part of the ongoing problem of unregulated vape markets, where product contents can differ from what is advertised and can include high-risk chemicals. The reporting indicates the finding is limited to the presence of the anaesthetic in the illicit vapes tested or identified in Melbourne, prompting warnings about the dangers of using products from unlicensed sources.