Fentanyl epidemic in Germany: The new drug threat is here!

Fentanyl epidemic in Germany: The new drug threat is here!

fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that was originally developed as a strong pain reliever, is becoming increasingly important in the drug market. According to Fernerer-Alsdorf , Fentanyl is up to 100 times stronger than morphine and is used under strict control in medicine. However, use as a drug is increasingly in the context of an expanding black market.

The dangers of fentanyl are considerable. Already 2 milligrams can be fatal because the effect starts quickly and in many cases breathing depressant. In 2021, the EU drug agency documented 137 fentanyl dead in the EU, which confirms the worrying tendency to increase consumption. The uncertainties in data acquisition and the undetected mixture consumption make combating and identifying the problem.

The black market and its threats

Fentanyl is available in different shapes on the black market, including as a powder or as an admixture to heroin. This accessible and inexpensive drug could generate additional demand by an impending deficiency deficiency. According to Europarl , Fentanyl has already achieved significant sales figures in Germany, Spain and Italy, whereby Germany alone made 14.5 % of the global fentanyl consumption in 2021.

Mexican cartels are in a “pilot phase” of expansion to Europe, which makes this market even more insecure. Fentanyl is largely produced with chemical forerunners from China, whose global sales are carried out via online platforms. This development brings new challenges for the law enforcement authorities.

legislation and social implications

In Germany, Fentanyl is classified as anesthetic in Appendix III BTMG. The handling outside of medical indications is therefore punishable. The OLG Nuremberg has currently set the threshold for the not small amount to 75 milligrams of pure fentanyls. Despite these strict regulations, the first cases of fentanyl abuse in Frankfurt am Main have been registered.

The dangers and challenges are not just legal nature. Dependency begins early, accompanied by massive withdrawal symptoms. This raises the alarming question whether Germany is heading for drug epidemic due to a variety of drug use and existing social problems. Preventive action is urgently required to counteract this development. The focus is on initiatives for information and early warning systems.

At European level, measures to ensure appropriate sanctions for web platforms used by fentanyl sellers are urgently necessary. MPs such as Isabella Adinolfi have addressed inquiries to the EU Commission to intensify cooperation with third countries, especially at the production and sales locations of fentanyl. In addition, preventive initiatives and support networks for victims and their families are to be promoted to alleviate the effects of fentanyl in Europe

The situation requires immediate action on several levels to combat the serious consequences of fentanyl consumption and prevent potential epidemic.