Deadly synthetic opioids spreading in Europe
New chemical substances sold in medicine-like packaging are gaining ground on the European market. Authorities warn of lethal doses.
Deadly synthetic opioids spreading in Europe
Europe's drug market is undergoing rapid change, which authorities are struggling to keep pace with. A new class of artificial substances has set off alarm bells among health authorities in several countries, including Denmark.
The substances bear names such as nitazenes, spirochlorphin and orphiners – designations unfamiliar to most people. These chemical compounds belong, according to experts, among the strongest opioids ever to have emerged in illicit trade.
Particularly concerning is that the substances are marketed in containers that resemble prescription medicine. At the same time, their toxicity is extremely high – an amount equivalent to a few grains of salt could in the worst case result in death for the user.
Health authorities in Denmark have responded to the development by raising their state of readiness. The threat to public health is described as both serious and increasing.
The information comes from Politiken.
Source: Politiken