Nitazenes: Deadly Opioids Causing Deaths in Europe

Nitazenes, a class of synthetic opioids, are spreading across Europe, raising concerns among health authorities. These substances are significantly more potent than heroin and even fentanyl, leading to hundreds of deaths.

Nitazenes have been detected in 21 countries of the European Union as of 2023. The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) reports that the situation is particularly alarming in the Baltic countries and Britain. In Britain, at least 400 opioid users have died from nitazenes in the 18 months up to January.

Nitazenes began appearing on the streets of the US, Canada and Europe around 2019. Their spread is linked to the ban on opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, as well as efforts to combat fentanyl production.

Experts warn that the risks are magnified by substances mixed with nitazenes, such as "tranq-dope" and "benzo-dope."