UN Warns of Rising Overdose Deaths from Potent Synthetic Opioids
Taliban's opium ban in Afghanistan leads to increased use of dangerous alternatives like nitazenes.
- Nitazenes, more potent than fentanyl, are spreading across Europe and North America.
- The UN Office on Drugs and Crime reports a surge in overdose deaths linked to these synthetic opioids.
- Afghanistan's opium production dropped by 95% in 2022 due to the Taliban's ban.
- Experts fear heroin users will turn to nitazenes, increasing health risks.
- Global drug use rose by 20% over the past decade, with opioids used by 60 million people in 2022.
CNA 
BBC 
Deutsche Welle 
