A continent at risk: Europe's struggle against synthetic drugs and criminal networks

Reports suggest that drug-related issues in Europe have become more complex than ever due to unprecedented access to cocaine, counterfeit painkillers containing deadly synthetic opioids, and trafficking networks.

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) states that drugs are claiming victims across the EU due to addiction, rising gang violence, and the heavy burden on healthcare systems.

Alexis Goosdeel, the agency’s executive director, said, “Today, we are facing a rapidly evolving situation across Europe.”

It is estimated that 7,500 people in Europe died from drug overdoses in 2023, up from approximately 7,100 the previous year.

Most overdose deaths were linked to opioids, but with more people turning to synthetic drugs and polydrug use, the risks are evolving.

EU authorities have called for more proactive efforts in addiction prevention and treatment, beyond merely monitoring drug use, as well as increased police efforts to dismantle criminal drug trafficking networks.

Heroin and other Opioids

Europe’s opioid market is transforming, with new substances emerging alongside the long-term dangers of heroin.

In 2021, European authorities warned that heroin might become harder to obtain, pushing people toward dangerous fentanyl derivatives or synthetic opioids.

In 2023, authorities reported dismantling 14 heroin production sites in Europe, primarily in the Netherlands.

A type of synthetic opioid called nitazenes is currently causing crises in countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, where health authorities have warned that people may purchase counterfeit painkillers containing nitazenes.

Reports indicate that the amount of nitazene powders seized in Europe in 2023 tripled. These drugs are so potent that even a small dose can be life-threatening.

The EUDA reported that Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway have recorded numerous overdose cases linked to nitazenes, while these drugs appear to be responsible for a significant portion of overdose deaths in Estonia and Latvia.

Cocaine

According to statistics, approximately 4.6 million European adults used cocaine last year, making it the most commonly used drug in the EU.

Cocaine consumption in Europe is rising daily. In 2023, EU member states seized about 419 tons of cocaine.

The largest seizures occurred in Belgium (123 tons), Spain (118 tons), and the Netherlands (59 tons), which are key entry points for cocaine trafficked into Europe from other parts of the world.

Cocaine is also produced within the EU, with authorities dismantling over 34 cocaine production sites in 2023.

Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids

The report shows that about 8.4% of EU adults (24 million people) used cannabis last year, making it the most widely used drug in Europe.

Cannabis seizures increased in 2023, with the market valued at least at €12.1 billion, run by organized criminal groups.

Cannabis can cause chronic respiratory issues and exacerbate or trigger psychotic symptoms, with regular and long-term users at greater risk.

Meanwhile, the EUDA noted that synthetic cannabinoids are raising growing concerns.

These highly potent drugs may be added to edibles or other cannabis derivatives without users’ knowledge, increasing the risk of poisoning or other health issues.

European countries identified 20 new synthetic cannabinoids last year, accounting for over 40% of new substances detected by the EU’s early warning system.

The report states that the health implications of synthetic cannabinoids are not well understood. However, due to their high THC concentration (the active compound in cannabis that affects consciousness), they may be linked to fatal poisonings or other health problems.