The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) warns of the risks associated with " wide availability "of psychoactive substances" increasingly varied" , in its annual report published on June 9, 2026, which also notes a diversification of transport methods.
"The diversity of substances on European streets is becoming increasingly unpredictable."
This document “ reveals the human cost of drug use, with the latest annual figures reporting at least 7,600 overdose deaths "in 29 countries, including the 27 EU member states," according to Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, quoted in a press release published with the report. Lorraine Nolan, Executive Director of EUDA, adds that Drug markets are evolving at a breakneck pace, and the diversity of substances on European streets is becoming increasingly unpredictable. This results in a risk: users may take very potent drugs, often without realizing it.“.
One new substance per week
“ Polydrug use is also common, with people combining different drugs in a way that increases the risks", the agency emphasizes, calling for investment in the prevention, treatment and social reintegration of consumers. “ We are seeing that drug trafficking is no longer an isolated area of crime." , said Magnus Brunner on Tuesday during a press conference held via video link from Brussels, adding that he is linked to the " money laundering" , has " corruption and to human trafficking“.
Read alsoNew synthetic drugs: how traffickers are diverting legal chemistry
The report analyzes the evolution of consumption and the market for narcotics in the 27 EU countries, as well as in Norway and Turkey. "New psychoactive substances (NPS) continue to be detected at a rate of about one per week"", these studies point out, adding " that in 2025, 50 NSPs were reported for the first time in Europe, bringing the total number of substances monitored by EUDA to 1,050“.
Concerns surrounding cannabis-based products
There " diversification The availability of cannabis-based products raises particular public health concerns. The adulteration of cannabis products with potent synthetic cannabinoids and the widespread availability of semi-synthetic cannabinoids increase the risk of harmful effects.", warns EUDA. These two types of substances are sold in the form of electronic cigarettes and edible productsThis raises concerns about their adoption by new, potentially younger, users." , the agency added.
Ketamine, new synthetic opioids, cocaine
New synthetic opioids are also a major concern. According to EUDA, In 2025 alone, seven new synthetic opioids were reported via the EU's early warning system, including... nitazenes and orphins (read the EUDA reports on the cychlorphine and the spirochlorphine) ». There ketamine, a drug used in anesthesia, is the subject of a " misuse is becoming increasingly common"If its overall consumption remains relatively low" , " It is becoming widespread in certain circles frequented by young people and in nightlife venues.“. The report shows that the consumption of cocaine stay " high » throughout Europe, with approximately 4.3 million Europeans aged 15 to 64 having consumed it in the past year.
More fragmented shipments to evade detection
Regarding the delivery, the criminals " have diversified their routes and methods to evade detection", and have " increasingly resorting to smaller ports, sea transfers using speedboats and other vessels, as well as semi-submersibles, drones, and sophisticated concealment techniques"According to EUDA, increasing amounts of cannabis are being shipped from Canada and the United States, and, to a lesser extent, from Thailand.
Regarding cocaine, after years of record seizures, the volume intercepted in Europe fell to 330 tonnes in 2024, compared to 419 tonnes in 2023. However, the number of seizures rose to 97,000 (compared to 95,000 in 2023), This suggests that traffickers may be moving towards smaller, more fragmented shipments in order to evade detection." suggests EUDA." Traffic is diversifying towards smaller ports" Lorraine Nolan pointed out." The European Ports Alliance must support these new ports by training staff and raising awareness about this issue.“.
“ The European Commission must adopt a comprehensive approach" , Magnus Brunner stated, adding that This strategy must act on both supply and demand, adopting a policy that is both preventive and repressive.“.
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