EU drug agency warns of surge in potent synthetic drugs across Europe

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) released its 2026 European Drug Report, highlighting a sharp rise in the potency and purity of illicit substances and an increase in poly‑drug consumption. New psycho‑active substances (NPS) are being identified at a rate of about one per week; 50 new NPS were reported in 2025, bringing the total monitored to 1,050. Synthetic opioids and high‑potency fentanyl analogues are flagged as a growing risk of fatal overdoses, with an estimated 7,600 overdose deaths in the EU in 2024.

The report also notes a doubling of THC concentration in cannabis resin over the past decade and a surge in cocaine‑crack use, especially in Portugal where crack is the leading cause of overdose deaths. Trafficking networks are adapting, employing smaller ports, high‑speed boats, drones and semi‑submersibles to bypass law‑enforcement. Supply routes now include increased flows of cannabis from Canada, the United States and Thailand, while heroin markets remain resilient due to Afghan opium reserves. Ketamine use is rising in nightlife settings, with wastewater analysis showing a 40‑city increase. EUDA calls for stronger prevention, treatment, harm‑reduction and social‑rehabilitation measures.