Highly potent synthetic opioids are emerging as a growing concern in Europe’s illicit drug market, and young people are increasingly involved in their transport and distribution, according to a new report from the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA).
Based on data from the 27 EU member states and Norway and Turkey, Lisbon-based EUDA found that at least 50 new psychoactive substances were identified in Europe in 2025.
In particular, the report highlights the increased risk from substances called nitazane, found in common street drugs such as cocaine, heroin and ketamine.
Europe’s illicit drug market
“Drugs are rapidly evolving, bringing a wider variety of substances and more unpredictable markets to the streets of Europe,” warned Lorraine Nolan, the agency’s executive director.
“This increases the risk of people taking high-potency medications, often without knowing.”
Not only are the types of drugs evolving, but also the methods of transport, with cocaine increasingly reaching Europe through smaller, less-inspected ports.
Smugglers are resorting to drones, speedboats and even semi-submarines to transport drugs from South America or Africa.
How are drug cartels using the youth?
According to EUDA reports, supply chains are increasingly comprised of youth recruited by cartels from deprived districts of European cities.
Their tasks are not limited to logistics and sales, but often include threats, violent attacks, and even contract killings – while criminal masterminds provide the planning, funding, and weapons in the background.
What are the most commonly used medicines in Europe?
Cannabis remains the most widely used drug in Europe, with 24.9 million adults aged 15 to 64 reporting use in the past year – figures boosted by experimental, partial legalization in countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg and Malta.
Nevertheless, Europe’s illicit cannabis market is still valued at approximately €12 billion ($13.9 billion) and cannabis accounted for 68% of the nearly one million illicit drug seizures in the EU in 2024.
Cocaine remains Europe’s second most prevalent drug, with 4.3 million adults reporting use in 2024.
EUDA estimates there will be at least 7,600 overdose deaths in 2024, with the majority of cases involving multiple substances.
Edited by: Jennifer Cimino Gonzalez