Estonia reports rise in drug-related poisoning deaths

Drug-related poisoning deaths in Estonia have seen a significant increase in the first half of 2026. According to data from the Health and Development Institute, 49 people died from drug and opioid-related poisonings between January and June 2026, compared to 30 deaths during the same period in 2025.

Toxicological findings indicate that cyclorfine was the most prevalent substance identified in 22 cases through early July. Other frequently detected substances included amphetamine, methadone, and diazepam, followed by cocaine, etodesmitmide (a synthetic opioid), and α-PVP. The patterns suggest widespread polysubstance use, often combining synthetic opioids with stimulants and central nervous system depressants.

Katri Abel-Ollo, head of the drug field at the Health and Development Institute, noted that opioids pose the highest risk of overdose. She highlighted that the increasing complexity of the Estonian drug market, characterized by new synthetic opioids, makes it difficult for users to know the potency or composition of the substances they consume.