The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) has raised alarms about the escalating threat posed by synthetic cathinones, commonly referred to as “bath salts.” These lab-created substances are increasingly being both imported and produced within Europe, marking a significant shift in the continent’s drug landscape.
Growing production and imports of synthetic cathinones
In its latest edition of the European Drug Report, released on Thursday, the EUDA details the evolving challenges within the European drug market. The report highlights a surge in the availability of cocaine, the emergence of new synthetic opioids, and a diversification of synthetic stimulants beyond the more familiar amphetamines. Executive Director of EUDA, Alexis Goosdeel, emphasized the impact of these trends, stating, “The rise of highly potent substances and more complex patterns of drug use is placing health and security systems under strain.” He called for a comprehensive reassessment of current strategies to better prepare for these emerging threats.
In 2023, authorities reported a remarkable increase in the importation and seizure of synthetic cathinones, raising concerns about the potential for serious health and social issues associated with these substances. The risks related to “bath salts” mirror those of traditional stimulants like amphetamine and methamphetamine, including the potential for overdoses, both acute and chronic mental health issues, and the spread of infectious diseases. However, synthetic cathinones can be even more potent, potentially resulting in unique and more severe health risks.
Poland’s role in Europe’s drug production landscape
Poland has emerged as a central player in the production of synthetic cathinones within Europe. In a concerning trend, Polish authorities dismantled 40 production sites for these substances in 2023, contributing to a total of 53 sites dismantled across the continent—up from 29 the previous year. The EUDA described this as a clear indication of the intensifying drug production activities in the region.
The volume of synthetic cathinones seized in Europe has shown a dramatic increase, escalating from 3.3 metric tons in 2020 to 26.5 metric tons in 2022, and reaching an alarming 37 tons in 2023. The agency is already observing signs of increased production of “bath salts” in various parts of Europe, with imports shifting from traditional sources like China to burgeoning supplies from India, primarily entering through the Netherlands.
Additionally, the report highlights the rising threat of new synthetic opioids, particularly noted in the Baltic countries. These substances are highly potent, with even minimal exposure presenting life-threatening risks. The introduction of nitazene opioids into the European market has raised further concerns due to their increasing availability.
Drug-induced fatalities have also seen a rise, with figures climbing from 7,100 in 2022 to 7,500 in 2023, driven predominantly by a dangerous mix of opioids and other drugs. Meanwhile, cocaine remains the second most widely used illicit drug in Europe after cannabis, with around 4.6 million adults reporting use in the past year. The EUDA has observed a continued increase in cocaine availability, both in powder and crack forms, contributing to a growing public health crisis.
Moreover, cocaine residues found in wastewater across various cities suggest a broader and more distributed use of the drug, while EU nations have reported record cocaine seizures for the seventh consecutive year, totaling 418 metric tons in 2023, compared to 323 metric tons the previous year. Most of these seizures occurred in Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands.