Synthetic opioids represent the most significant threat in the ongoing battle against illegal drugs, with one specific type, nitazenes, linked to 1,000 deaths across the UK in just two-and-a-half years. This stark warning comes from Graeme Biggar, Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Speaking at the unveiling of the NCA’s annual national strategic assessment, Mr Biggar described the death toll as "extraordinary". He elaborated: "Synthetic opioids pose the biggest risk. Since nitazenes first appeared at scale in the UK in June 2023, they have been connected to 1,000 deaths. This is an extraordinary figure."
