The number of new synthetic drugs is growing in Europe

Fatal drug overdoses remain high in Europe, and the proliferation of new synthetic substances is causing increasing concern among experts. This is stated in the “European Drug Report 2026”, prepared by the European Union Drug Agency (EUDA), according to the Anadolu agency.

According to the document, based on data from 27 EU countries, as well as Norway and Turkey, in 2024, more than 7.6 thousand people did not experience drug overdoses in Europe.

The authors of the report note that the majority of deaths are associated with the simultaneous use of several substances. Experts are particularly concerned about the growing number of new psychoactive substances. According to their data, at least one new compound is detected in Europe every week.

In 2025 alone, experts recorded 50 new psychoactive substances for the first time. Currently, EUDA monitors about 1050 such connections.

The report highlights that the European drug market is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. The production of synthetic drugs in Europe remains a serious threat to public health and safety.

Cannabis remains the most widespread illicit drug in the region. According to experts, about 24.9 million adults in Europe have consumed it over the past year.

The level of cocaine consumption remains high. According to EUDA, about 4.3 million people have used this drug in the last 12 months.

The report also says that criminal gangs continue to adapt to the actions of law enforcement agencies. Small seaports, transshipment of goods on the high seas, drones and modern methods of disguising illegal substances are increasingly being used for drug smuggling.

Turkey’s efforts to combat illicit drug production are also highlighted. In 2024, five methamphetamine production facilities and one clandestine cocaine laboratory were discovered and liquidated in the country.

Lorraine Nolan, Executive Director of EUDA, emphasized that the drug market continues to change at a very rapid pace.