Scotland’s illicit drug market is becoming increasingly complex with the emergence of highly potent synthetic substances, including synthetic cannabinoids and opioids such as nitazenes. Some of these substances can be considerably more potent than heroin, increasing the risk of severe and fatal overdose.

The article highlights concerns that synthetic substances are being mixed with other drugs, sometimes without the knowledge of the person using them. Their rapid development and changing composition create additional challenges for drug monitoring, health services, law enforcement, and...

This paper examines the development and early outcomes of the Thames Valley Police Drugs Diversion Pilot in West Berkshire, which offers people found in possession of drugs an opportunity to engage with treatment rather than receive a conventional criminal justice sanction. It places the initiative within the wider evolution of UK drug policy and compares it with similar police-led diversion schemes in England and Wales.

Early findings show mixed engagement with treatment: while many eligible individuals initially accepted the offer, 55% did not go on to enter treatment. However, among those...

Arrest Referral (AR) schemes in London were established to connect people who use drugs with treatment services at the point of arrest through collaboration between police and drug service providers. Based on interviews with police officers and drug workers, the study explores the practical challenges of delivering treatment referrals within police custody settings, differences in professional perspectives, and the development of effective working relationships over time. The findings highlight the value of collaboration between health and criminal justice agencies in improving referral...

This threat assessment examines the potential risks posed by highly potent synthetic opioids (HPSOs) in Europe over the next two years. Drawing on early warning data, forensic and clinical evidence, and expert input, the report explores how opioid-related harms could develop under different scenarios and identifies key uncertainties that may influence future trends.

The assessment highlights the emergence of these substances as a significant public health and security concern due to their extreme potency, the risk of overdose at very low doses, and their presence in counterfeit or...

The UNODC World Drug Report 2026 introduces a new interactive platform that allows users to explore the latest global, regional, and subregional trends in drug demand and supply through dynamic data visualisations, maps, graphs, and downloadable datasets.

 

The Drug Market Patterns and Trends platform presents concise, evidence-based analyses across a range of topics, enabling users to examine emerging developments in drug markets, patterns of use, production, trafficking, and related indicators. Each finding is supported by interactive visualisations, with the underlying data available for...

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has released its 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment (NDTA), providing an overview of the threats posed by illicit drugs and the transnational criminal organizations involved in their production and trafficking. The report highlights the continuing impact of synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl and methamphetamine, on public health, public safety, and national security.

The UNODC Early Warning Advisory highlights a continued global expansion of new psychoactive substances (NPS), with nearly 1,400 substances reported worldwide. In 2024 alone, a record number of substances were identified, including over 100 newly detected compounds.

Synthetic opioids—particularly fentanyl analogues and nitazenes—are a growing concern, now reported across all regions. At the same time, benzodiazepine-type substances remain widely present in drug samples. A key emerging risk is polysubstance use, with a significant share of deaths involving multiple substances.

Overall, the...

This practical toolkit highlights the role of faith-based and community leaders in responding to the opioid crisis in the United States. Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it recognizes that community and faith organizations are often among the first to support individuals and families affected by addiction.

The toolkit encourages local action through prevention, recovery support, and community engagement, while emphasizing compassion, hope, and partnership. It also reflects growing recognition that addressing opioid use disorder requires collaboration between...