State Agency Warns of Rising Threat from Synthetic Opioids

A recent report from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) has raised alarms about the increasing danger posed by synthetic opioids, following the identification of ten new drug substances in the past year. In the 2024 annual report, acting director general Dr. Geraldine O’Donnell highlighted a dramatic increase in drug dealing cases, with reported seizures under Section 15A rising from 45 in 2020 to 318 in 2024.

The report indicates that the years between 2022 and 2023 saw the emergence of several variants of nitazene, a class of synthetic opioids, in smaller seizures involving both tablets and powders. Dr. O’Donnell noted that 2024 marked a crucial turning point, with two of the largest nitazene seizures recorded not only in Ireland but across Europe. Among the new substances identified was protonitazene, which the report describes as being “significantly more potent than heroin.”

In early 2024, FSI received an urgent request from An Garda Síochána to analyze a concerning batch of brown powder. This analysis revealed 1.9 kilograms of protonitazene mixed with caffeine and paracetamol, substances that were intended for distribution in the heroin market. Fortunately, the package was intercepted before reaching consumers.

Emerging Trends in Drug Seizures

The report also noted the detection of an unusual substance referred to as “Tuci.” This comprised 125 grams of a pink powder containing ketamine, amphetamine, MDMA, and caffeine. Such findings underscore the evolving landscape of illicit drugs, as authorities face new challenges in monitoring and controlling these substances.

Historically, nitazenes were developed in the 1950s as analgesics but were never marketed due to their overdose potential. The report further details that cannabis and edibles accounted for 44 percent of all drugs analyzed in 2024, while powders represented 38 percent of cases. In total, FSI processed 25,170 cases submitted by An Garda Síochána and other state agencies, including 10,595 drug and toxicology cases.

Impact on Public Safety and Law Enforcement

The report highlights a concerning increase in suspicious death investigations, with FSI reporting 41 cases in 2024—a 17 percent rise from 2023’s figure of 35. In addition, FSI staff provided expert testimony in court on 110 occasions throughout the year. The DNA evidence collected by FSI played a significant role in numerous investigations, assisting in cases of murders, serious assaults, and organized crime related offenses.

FSI also aided in the identification of 32 missing persons in 2024 through its DNA database. The report notes that 997 cases benefited from the database, which recorded approximately 766 hits during the year.

The findings outlined in the FSI report reflect a pressing need for continued vigilance and adaptation among law enforcement agencies as they confront the evolving challenges posed by synthetic opioids and other illicit substances. With the alarming rise in drug-related incidents, authorities are called to intensify their efforts to combat the growing threat to public health and safety.