30-07-2025
Lethal drug could cause ‘biggest public health crisis' since 1980s
Nitazenes, potent synthetic opioids primarily originating from China, are causing hundreds of deaths across Europe and are spreading globally.
These opioids are significantly stronger than fentanyl and heroin, with even trace amounts capable of causing a fatal overdose.
Nitazenes are being found mixed into various illicit drugs, including heroin, counterfeit painkillers, and anxiety medication, making them difficult to identify.
US authorities have reported over 4,300 nitazene seizures since 2019, with concerns that Mexican cartels could facilitate their entry into the US.
Experts warn that nitazenes pose a potential "massive public healthcare catastrophe" and could become the "biggest public health crisis" for drug users since the 1980s AIDS crisis.
