synthetic opioids
Coverage of synthetic opioids in the Nexus archive.
- Germany: 'Shock' rise in drug deaths among under 30s
Germany is experiencing a record high number of drug-related deaths, with victims increasingly under 30. Many fatalities are linked to synthetic opioids and other dangerous substances.
- Illinois sees dramatic drop in opioid overdose deaths
Illinois saw a 36% decrease in opioid overdose deaths from 2023 to 2024, with synthetic opioid deaths dropping 38%. Cook County and Chicago reported a 37% decline. Experts attribute the drop to expanded treatment access, Narcan distribution, and harm reduction strategies.
- Revealed, how Beijing unleashed Triad gangs to wage war on Britain: Crime groups linked to Chinese Communist Party are flooding our streets with killer synthetic opioids, supplying engines for migrant boats, and even masterminding romance frauds
The article claims that crime groups linked to the Chinese Communist Party are distributing synthetic opioids, supplying engines for migrant boats, and orchestrating romance frauds. These activities are alleged to be part of a strategy by Beijing to wage war on Britain through organized crime.
- EU: Youth involvement in synthetic opioids smuggling rises
Europe's illicit drug market is rapidly evolving, with cartels increasingly using young people to smuggle dangerous synthetic opioids. The report highlights rising youth involvement in trafficking these substances.
- Dangerous synthetic opioids found in fake medicines, EU drug agency warns
The EU Drugs Agency warns of dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes and orphines found in fake medicines, contributing to record drug-related deaths in Europe. Seizures of these substances increased significantly in 2024, with 7,600 overdose fatalities reported, driven by potent new drugs and evolving illicit markets.