Tag #Synthetic Drugs

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elmundo.es

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Sep 18, 10:18

Zombie Drug" Crisis in Cuba: Synthetic Drug Addiction Spreads Amidst Economic Hardship

A cheap, highly-addictive synthetic drug, colloquially known as "químico," is causing a surge in addiction in Cuba, impacting young people from various backgrounds, and prompting government action amidst the country's economic crisis.

Zombie Drug" Crisis in Cuba: Synthetic Drug Addiction Spreads Amidst Economic Hardship

A cheap, highly-addictive synthetic drug, colloquially known as "químico," is causing a surge in addiction in Cuba, impacting young people from various backgrounds, and prompting government action amidst the country's economic crisis.

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What is the immediate impact of the "químico" drug crisis in Cuba?

The "químico" crisis is overwhelming rehabilitation centers and impacting a broad range of individuals, from marginalized youth to professionals. Anecdotal evidence suggests the drug's highly addictive nature causes significant physical and mental deterioration, leaving users unable to work or maintain basic hygiene. The government has responded with harsher penalties for traffickers and a prevention campaign.

elpais.com

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Jul 14, 13:18

Mexico's Methamphetamine Crisis: A Growing Threat Amidst Evolving Drug Landscape

Mexico battles a rising methamphetamine crisis, with a 400% increase in consumption over the past decade, affecting various demographics and fueled by easy access; while fentanly use remains concentrated in border areas, the emergence of novel synthetic drug combinations poses a growing concern.

Mexico's Methamphetamine Crisis: A Growing Threat Amidst Evolving Drug Landscape

Mexico battles a rising methamphetamine crisis, with a 400% increase in consumption over the past decade, affecting various demographics and fueled by easy access; while fentanly use remains concentrated in border areas, the emergence of novel synthetic drug combinations poses a growing concern.

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What are the most pressing drug-related challenges facing Mexico, and what are their immediate consequences?

Mexico faces a growing drug crisis, particularly with methamphetamine use surging 400% in the last decade. This increase affects diverse groups, from medical professionals to transportation workers, and starts as young as 15 years old. The easy access to methamphetamine in Mexico fuels this crisis.

news.sky.com

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Jul 3, 07:15

Seized Kush Shipment Exposes Transnational Drug Network in West Africa

A shipping container seized in Sierra Leone contained kush ingredients, including the deadly synthetic opioid nitazene, shipped from the United Kingdom, highlighting a transnational drug trafficking network impacting West Africa.

Seized Kush Shipment Exposes Transnational Drug Network in West Africa

A shipping container seized in Sierra Leone contained kush ingredients, including the deadly synthetic opioid nitazene, shipped from the United Kingdom, highlighting a transnational drug trafficking network impacting West Africa.

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What is the immediate impact of the seized kush shipment in Sierra Leone, and what are the broader implications for West Africa?

A container of kush ingredients, shipped from the UK to Sierra Leone, was seized. Preliminary testing confirmed the contents as kush ingredients, including nitazenes, a deadly synthetic opioid 25 times stronger than fentanyl. The drug's impact is devastating, causing severe health issues and addiction among Sierra Leoneans, particularly impacting vulnerable populations.

elpais.com

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Jun 14, 10:09

Spanish Police Bust Massive Speed Lab, Seize €13.5 Million in Drugs

Spanish National Police dismantled a drug lab in Zeberio, Bizkaia, seizing 450 kilos of speed (worth €13.5 million) on May 27th, resulting in seven arrests and three imprisonments; the lab could produce 500 kilos weekly.

Spanish Police Bust Massive Speed Lab, Seize €13.5 Million in Drugs

Spanish National Police dismantled a drug lab in Zeberio, Bizkaia, seizing 450 kilos of speed (worth €13.5 million) on May 27th, resulting in seven arrests and three imprisonments; the lab could produce 500 kilos weekly.

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How did the police investigation lead to the discovery and dismantling of the drug lab, and what challenges did the officers face?

The lab, located in a remote farmhouse, was part of a larger operation targeting speed distribution across the Basque Country and neighboring regions. The main suspect is a businessman with links to ultra-fans and kale borroka. The seized drugs represent a significant portion of the 412 kilos of amphetamine sulfate confiscated in Spain in 2023.

elpais.com

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Jun 5, 13:13

EU Drug Report: Rising Cocaine Consumption and Emerging Threats

The European Drug Report highlights a significant rise in cocaine availability and consumption within the EU, marked by increased wastewater residue, record seizures (up 30% in 2023 to 419 tons), and a 13-year lag to treatment, alongside concerning trends in synthetic cathinones, potent synthetic op...

EU Drug Report: Rising Cocaine Consumption and Emerging Threats

The European Drug Report highlights a significant rise in cocaine availability and consumption within the EU, marked by increased wastewater residue, record seizures (up 30% in 2023 to 419 tons), and a 13-year lag to treatment, alongside concerning trends in synthetic cathinones, potent synthetic op...

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How are changing drug market dynamics, specifically increased competition, affecting crime and societal vulnerabilities?

The report highlights that the 13-year lag between first cocaine use and treatment initiation underscores the long-term consequences of increased availability. Cocaine seizures rose by 30% in 2023 (419 tons vs 323 tons in 2022), with Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands accounting for 72% of the total. The rising potency of cannabis, including a doubling of THC content in the last decade, further complicates the situation.

abcnews.go.com

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Apr 5, 13:18

Sierra Leone's Kush Crisis: Inadequate Response Leaves Women Behind

Sierra Leone's year-long public health emergency addressing rampant kush abuse shows limited progress, with only 300 people completing rehab (mostly men), while women face higher vulnerabilities and remain largely invisible in the crisis due to social factors and stigma.

Sierra Leone's Kush Crisis: Inadequate Response Leaves Women Behind

Sierra Leone's year-long public health emergency addressing rampant kush abuse shows limited progress, with only 300 people completing rehab (mostly men), while women face higher vulnerabilities and remain largely invisible in the crisis due to social factors and stigma.

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What are the immediate impacts of Sierra Leone's insufficient response to the kush epidemic, particularly on women?

In Sierra Leone, a public health emergency declared a year ago to combat rampant kush abuse has yielded limited success, with only about 300 people completing the official rehab program, mostly men. Women, disproportionately affected due to social factors and stigma, remain largely invisible in the crisis, receiving far less treatment despite facing higher vulnerabilities.

abcnews.go.com

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Aug 19, 13:21

Kentucky Bans "Designer Xanax" Amidst Overdose Crisis

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued an emergency ban on the sale of "designer Xanax" (bromazolam) on Monday, responding to Attorney General Russell Coleman's request and nearly 50 overdose deaths linked to the drug in 2023. A coalition of 21 attorneys general is also urging the DEA to take federal...

Kentucky Bans "Designer Xanax" Amidst Overdose Crisis

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued an emergency ban on the sale of "designer Xanax" (bromazolam) on Monday, responding to Attorney General Russell Coleman's request and nearly 50 overdose deaths linked to the drug in 2023. A coalition of 21 attorneys general is also urging the DEA to take federal...

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What immediate impact will Kentucky's ban on "designer Xanax" have on combating the opioid crisis?

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued an emergency ban on the sale of "designer Xanax" (bromazolam), a synthetic drug linked to nearly 50 overdose deaths in the state last year. This follows a request from Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, who is leading a coalition of 21 attorneys general urging the DEA to take similar action. The ban empowers law enforcement to arrest those selling or possessing the drug.

faz.net

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Jul 7, 19:15

Slight Decrease in German Drug Deaths Masks Worrying Trends

Drug-related deaths in Germany fell slightly to 2137 in 2024, but deaths among young people under 30 rose by 14%, with a significant increase in cases involving synthetic opioids and new psychoactive substances, highlighting a complex and evolving problem requiring urgent action.

Slight Decrease in German Drug Deaths Masks Worrying Trends

Drug-related deaths in Germany fell slightly to 2137 in 2024, but deaths among young people under 30 rose by 14%, with a significant increase in cases involving synthetic opioids and new psychoactive substances, highlighting a complex and evolving problem requiring urgent action.

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How do the increased accessibility of dangerous drugs through online channels and smuggling contribute to the complex drug problem in Germany?

The decrease in overall drug deaths masks a worrying trend: a 14% rise in fatalities among young people under 30 and a substantial increase in deaths linked to synthetic opioids (up 70% to 154 cases) and new psychoactive substances. The high number of substances detected in deceased individuals highlights the complexity of the issue.

news.sky.com

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Jul 3, 04:11

Deadly Synthetic Drug Kush Crisis Ravages West Africa

A shipping container seized in Sierra Leone contains kush ingredients, including the deadly synthetic opioid nitazene, shipped from the UK; the highly addictive drug is ravaging West Africa, causing severe health issues and impacting vulnerable communities.

Deadly Synthetic Drug Kush Crisis Ravages West Africa

A shipping container seized in Sierra Leone contains kush ingredients, including the deadly synthetic opioid nitazene, shipped from the UK; the highly addictive drug is ravaging West Africa, causing severe health issues and impacting vulnerable communities.

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How does the seizure of the kush ingredients highlight the broader global synthetic drug trade?

The seizure exposes a global synthetic drug network supplying West Africa, particularly from the UK and Asia. The drug's devastating effects are visible in Freetown, with users suffering severe health consequences, including infected sores and malnutrition. This crisis disproportionately impacts impoverished communities.

dw.com

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Jun 5, 13:13

Synthetic Drug Use Surges in Europe, Driven by Domestic Production and Geopolitical Shifts

The European Drug Report 2025 highlights a surge in synthetic drug use, particularly cathinones and opioids, alongside persistent high cocaine use spreading from cities to smaller towns, leading to increased overdoses and posing a significant public health challenge.

Synthetic Drug Use Surges in Europe, Driven by Domestic Production and Geopolitical Shifts

The European Drug Report 2025 highlights a surge in synthetic drug use, particularly cathinones and opioids, alongside persistent high cocaine use spreading from cities to smaller towns, leading to increased overdoses and posing a significant public health challenge.

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What are the most significant trends in European drug consumption, and what are their immediate public health implications?

The European Drug Report 2025 reveals a surge in synthetic drug use across Europe, driven by increased domestic production and the popularity of cathinones like 3-MMC. Cocaine remains the most prevalent illicit drug, with a record 419 tons seized in 2023, and its use is spreading from urban centers to smaller towns. Simultaneously, a rise in synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl and nitazenes, is linked to Afghanistan's opium poppy cultivation ban, resulting in an increase in overdose deaths.

fr.euronews.com

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Jun 5, 16:14

EU Drug Report: Record Deaths, Cocaine Seizures, and Rise of Synthetic Opioids

The 2023 EU Drug Report reveals 7,500 drug-related deaths in the EU, Norway, and Turkey, primarily from opioids; record cocaine seizures (419 tons) highlight growing drug trafficking and associated crime; the rise of synthetic opioids like nitazenes in counterfeit painkillers intensifies the crisis.

EU Drug Report: Record Deaths, Cocaine Seizures, and Rise of Synthetic Opioids

The 2023 EU Drug Report reveals 7,500 drug-related deaths in the EU, Norway, and Turkey, primarily from opioids; record cocaine seizures (419 tons) highlight growing drug trafficking and associated crime; the rise of synthetic opioids like nitazenes in counterfeit painkillers intensifies the crisis.

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What are the most significant findings of the 2023 EU Drug Report regarding drug-related deaths and the primary substances involved?

The 2023 EU Drug Report reveals a surge in drug-related deaths, reaching an estimated 7,500, primarily from opioid overdoses. This marks an increase from approximately 7,100 in 2022, highlighting the escalating drug crisis across Europe. The report emphasizes the growing threat of synthetic opioids like nitazenes, found in counterfeit painkillers, and the increasing prevalence of cocaine.

liberation.fr

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Mar 29, 13:19

Booming European MDMA Market: Production Diversifies, Seizures Rise

Europol and the European Drug Agency report reveals a booming European MDMA market with an estimated annual retail value of €594 million, driven by high demand and diversified production across Europe, leading to increased seizures and international trafficking.

Booming European MDMA Market: Production Diversifies, Seizures Rise

Europol and the European Drug Agency report reveals a booming European MDMA market with an estimated annual retail value of €594 million, driven by high demand and diversified production across Europe, leading to increased seizures and international trafficking.

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How has the production and distribution of MDMA shifted geographically within Europe, and what factors are driving this change?

Increased MDMA production and trafficking stem from criminal organizations seeking higher profits and less competitive markets. The shift in production locations reflects efforts to evade stricter law enforcement in traditional hotspots like the Netherlands and Belgium. This diversification has led to increased seizures in countries such as Poland, Germany, and France.

Showing 1 to 12 of 18 results