The Latest Breaking News from Heroin

In a statement, the DEA said El Ruso's organization is responsible for trafficking millions of dollars' worth of narcotics into the United States, including cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin.

Opioids, including the best known — morphine, heroin and fentanyl — have been gaining popularity over the last few decades. Although officially banned, these painkillers still find their way into prisons either via drones or with visitors. The result is that more and more prisoners are using opioids.

First it was referred to as a “mysterious illness.” Later it was called “gay cancer,” “gay plague” and “GRID,” an acronym for gay-related immune deficiency. Most egregiously, some called it “4H disease” – shorthand for “homosexuals, heroin addicts, hemophiliacs and Haitians,” the populations most afflicted in the early days.

The veterinary sedative, normally used to sedate pets, is increasingly being mixed with heroin and fentanyl

A dangerous new drug adulterant is spreading through America’s illicit opioid supply, and it’s making overdoses significantly harder to reverse. Medetomidine, a veterinary sedative normally used to sedate pets, is increasingly being mixed with heroin and fentanyl, creating a cocktail that experts warn could be far deadlier than previous street…

Kirsten Smith was 19 when she first tried heroin; within a few years she was in prison. She says she willingly made those choices and wants society to stop treating addiction as a disease

A nun in a remote Orthodox monastery in Belarus invites us into her world in this beautiful black and white documentary

Former Mexican cartel kingpin Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada is expected to plead guilty to federal charges related to his role in the violent drug trade that for years flooded the U.S. with cocaine, heroin and other illicit substances

Australians consumed drugs with a street value of about $7.5bn, representing a 34 percent rise in annual consumption.

An analysis of Australia's sewers shows record consumption of meth, cocaine and heroin, triggering a call to abandon the "failing" war on drugs.

LIFE STORIES: After 32 years of drugs, abuse and petty crime – as well as numerous spells in prison – Charlie pledged to turn her life around. She tells Maira Butt about finally hitting her rock bottom, and why today she is proud to serve as an inspiration to people…