EU Drug Report 2026: More Overdoses and Ever-New Synthetic Opioids

Synthetic Opioids and Counterfeits on the Rise

The EUDA is particularly concerned about the growing availability of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes and orphines, which often have effects similar to fentanyl, a cancer pain medication that is more than 50 times stronger than opium. In 2024, more than 50,000 nitazene-containing counterfeits of medications were seized in ten European countries, totaling more than 34 kilograms of synthetic opioids. The development in the Baltic states is particularly striking. Since 2009, 95 new synthetic opioids have been detected in Europe, including nitazenes and orphines.

Cocaine use also remains at a high level. Approximately 4.3 million Europeans used cocaine last year. In 2024, available data from 20 countries indicated that cocaine was involved in more than a quarter (27 percent) of drug-related deaths. Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in Europe: an estimated 24.9 million Europeans aged 15 to 64 used it last year.

The EUDA is also observing a spread of the particularly problematic use of crack, which can be produced from cocaine powder. In several EU countries, e-cigarettes containing not only nicotine but also cannabis substances have recently been seized. Such products could in future also serve as carriers for even more dangerous substances, the EUDA warns.

Cocaine, Cannabis, and New Forms of Use

The misuse of ketamine, an important anesthetic and pain medication, is also increasing according to the agency, particularly in youth and nightlife scenes. In 2024, 14 percent of respondents to the European Online Survey on Drugs who had used drugs in the past twelve months reported using ketamine, usually together with alcohol or other drugs. In Bulgaria, fentanyl was involved in more than 100 drug-related deaths reported between 2024 and 2025.

Mafia Recruitment of Young People

The report also documents the recruitment of young people by criminal groups. Young people, especially from socially disadvantaged neighborhoods, are being recruited by the mafia for intimidation, assault, and even as contract killers. The recruitment under so-called violence-as-a-service models takes place in part via social media, according to experts. Criminal masterminds provide planning, weapons, money, and transport.

Smuggling via Small Ports and New Routes

Smuggling routes are adapting to tightened controls. After authorities stepped up controls at major ports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp, smugglers are increasingly turning to smaller ports. They are also employing new methods such as transfers at sea, drones, speedboats, and even semi-submersible vessels to bring drugs from South America or Africa to Europe.

According to its own statements, the EU has responded with a new drug strategy, an action plan against drug trafficking, and proposed new regulations for monitoring and controlling precursor chemicals. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner emphasized the need to protect the market from dangerous new products. Wir müssen alles daransetzen, um zu verhindern, dass gefährliche neue Produkte den Markt überschwemmen, und mit aller Härte des Gesetzes gegen illegale Händler vorgehen, um ihnen ihr Geschäftsmodell zu nehmen, said Brunner.

EUDA Executive Director Lorraine Nolan also warned of an increasing unpredictability of substances on the streets. Die Drogenmärkte entwickeln sich rasant weiter, und die Vielfalt der Substanzen auf den Straßen Europas wird immer unvorhersehbarer. Dies birgt die Gefahr, dass Menschen hochwirksame Drogen einnehmen, oft ohne sie zu kennen, Nolan said. The EUDA, headquartered in Lisbon, analyzes data for its report from the 27 EU member states as well as from Norway and Turkey.