Scotland Faces Growing Threat From Potent Synthetic Drugs

Scotland’s efforts to reduce its high rate of drug-related deaths are being challenged by the growing availability of powerful synthetic substances in the illegal drug market.

Experts warn that the supply of new synthetic opioids and cannabinoids has increased sharply over the past three years, making the country’s drug crisis increasingly dangerous.

Annual drug-related death figures due to be released are expected to show a rise, adding pressure on authorities already dealing with one of Europe’s highest drug death rates.

Dr Lorna Nisbet, from the University of Dundee’s Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, said the illegal drug supply in Scotland was becoming increasingly dangerous.

Many of the new substances are produced in clandestine laboratories rather than being derived from cultivated plants. Among those raising concern are nitazenes and orphines, synthetic opioids that can be considerably more potent than heroin.

Police say organised crime groups are increasingly adding synthetic substances to existing drugs to increase profits, creating additional risks for users who may not know what they are taking.

Police Scotland Superintendent Niven Bull condemned the practice, accusing organised crime groups of profiting from people affected by drug addiction.

The emergence of increasingly potent synthetic drugs is creating new challenges for health and law enforcement authorities as they work to prevent overdoses and reduce drug-related deaths.

Experts say the rapidly changing illicit drug market highlights the need for continued monitoring, public awareness and access to treatment and support services.