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- October 13, 202619°
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Overdose Deaths in Europe Surpass 7,600 in 2024
According to the European Union Drug Agency's report, the number of overdose deaths in Europe exceeded 7,600 in 2024. The report highlights the serious public health risks posed by the spread of new synthetic opioids and notes that methamphetamine and cocaine production facilities were shut down in Turkey in 2024.
The 2026 European Drug Report released by the European Union Drug Agency in Brussels reveals that drug markets in Europe have become more complex and unpredictable. The report emphasizes that new synthetic opioids are among the substances experts are most concerned about.
New Synthetic Opioids in Focus
According to the report, 95 new synthetic opioids have been identified in Europe since 2009. In 2025 alone, 7 new synthetic opioids were recorded for the first time.
The report states that the majority of drug-related deaths result from the combined use of multiple substances. The widespread presence of these highly potent substances poses a serious risk to public health.
Overdose Deaths Exceed 7,600
The document notes that the number of overdose deaths in Europe surpassed 7,600 in 2024. Authorities pointed out that the diversification of products on the market has increased risks for users.
The report also indicates that cannabis remains the most widely used illegal drug in Europe, with an estimated 24.9 million adults having used it in the past year. Cocaine use remains high as well, with approximately 4.3 million people estimated to have used it in the last year.
Cocaine Treatment Admissions and Smuggling Methods
The number of first-time treatment admissions for cocaine reached about 37,000 in 2024. The report also highlights that drug trafficking criminal organizations have developed new methods to evade law enforcement operations, increasingly using smaller ports, open sea transfers, drones, and advanced concealment techniques.
The report further states that synthetic drug production in Europe continues to pose a serious threat to security and public health. This situation shows that drug trafficking is an expanding problem not only in terms of use but also regarding organized crime and security.
Section on Turkey
The report draws attention to Turkey's ongoing fight against drug production. In 2024, five methamphetamine production facilities were identified and shut down in Turkey, and one cocaine production facility was also uncovered and ceased operations during the same period.
Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, stated that the report clearly demonstrates the heavy toll drug use takes on individuals. Brunner emphasized the need to use all available means to prevent the introduction of dangerous new substances to the market and to stop the activities of illegal traffickers.
EUDA Executive Director Dr. Lorraine Nolan noted that drug markets are changing rapidly and that the variety of substances found on European streets is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Nolan said that people often unknowingly consume highly potent substances and stressed that reliable data is more important today than ever before.
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