Bulgarian Customs warns of nitazenes 150 times more potent than fentanyl

Stefan Bakalov, Deputy Director of the Customs Agency, has issued a warning regarding the emergence of highly potent new drugs in Bulgaria, specifically nitazenes, which can be 100 to 150 times more powerful than fentanyl. He noted that a single pill could potentially produce over 100 doses.

Bakalov reported that fentanyl use in Bulgaria is increasing as it replaces heroin, a trend observed between 2022 and 2025. Unlike the crisis in the United States, which stemmed from prescription opioid misuse, fentanyl in Bulgaria is being produced locally using imported precursors. In 2024, customs officials seized 200 liters of fentanyl diverted from pharmaceutical networks.

The official also highlighted a critical lack of a registered antidote in Bulgaria to prevent deaths during overdoses. He emphasized the need for more addiction support programs and increased awareness regarding 'spiking' and the dangers of these substances.