Germany confronts lethal synthetic drug surge

Despite a seemingly strong healthcare system and preventive drug policies, Germany has seen a rise in drug use in recent years, particularly synthetic drugs. This crisis has largely focused on stimulants such as cocaine and crack, while synthetic drugs pose an additional growing threat.

According to recent reports, drug-related deaths in Germany in 2023 reached their highest level since 1973, with over 2,220 fatalities. This corresponds to 2.64 deaths per 100,000 people. The increase is largely attributed to cocaine use (over 400 deaths from cocaine and crack).

It can be said that the synthetic drug crisis has crossed U.S. borders and reached Germany’s streets.

German media report that synthetic drugs are increasingly appearing on the country’s illegal drug market, particularly affecting young people.

Although Germany has implemented various measures in recent years to prevent the spread of drug use and addiction, the newest and most dangerous synthetic drugs have now entered the country.

In major German cities such as Frankfurt and Berlin, synthetic drugs like nitazenes—often mixed with heroin—have been found on the streets for some time. Even a tiny amount, as small as a grain of salt, can be lethal.

Germany has experienced a rising trend in drug-related deaths over recent years. Reports indicate that around 170,000 people in Germany are addicted to drugs, mostly heroin.

Authorities and experts express concern over this new trend, noting that it began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has affected a significant number of young people. During that period, many youths were observed consuming benzodiazepines and opioids live on social media platforms, while sellers awaited in comment sections.

Cities across Germany are now preparing emergency plans, training emergency services and hospital staff, and, crucially, expanding drug testing programs to more accurately detect synthetic drugs.

German officials say they are working to prevent scenarios similar to those in other countries, such as Birmingham, UK, two years ago, where 30 people died from synthetic drug overdoses, or Dublin, Ireland in 2023, where nitazenes caused dozens of drug-related emergencies.

Hendrik Strick, Germany’s new government commissioner for addiction and drug issues, stated that synthetic drugs are now a top priority.

He added: “We must not repeat past failures or respond too late. That is why I support a national early warning and monitoring system that alerts police, emergency services, addiction care providers, and drug users in real time whenever new dangerous substances appear.”