State Agency Warns of Rising Synthetic Opioid Threat in 2024

The State agency responsible for identifying illicit drugs has raised alarms about the increasing threat posed by synthetic opioids, following the discovery of ten new drug substances in the past year. In its 2024 annual report, Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) highlighted a significant surge in drug dealing cases involving large consignment seizures, noting a remarkable increase from 45 cases in 2020 to 318 in 2024.

Acting Director General Dr. Geraldine O’Donnell emphasized the dangers associated with these substances. Between 2022 and 2023, FSI identified several variants of nitazene, a class of synthetic opioids, during smaller seizures of tablets and powders. However, she indicated that 2024 marked a pivotal change, with two of the largest nitazene seizures recorded not just in Ireland, but across Europe.

Among the newly identified substances, protonitazene stands out due to its potency, being described as “significantly more potent than heroin.” In early 2024, FSI responded to an urgent request from An Garda Síochána to analyze packages containing 1.9 kilograms of protonitazene, which was found mixed with caffeine and paracetamol. This dangerous substance was intended for distribution in the heroin market but was intercepted in time by law enforcement.

New Drug Variants and Increased Seizures

The report details an unusual presentation known as “Tuci,” which consists of 125 grams of a pink powder containing ketamine, amphetamine, MDMA, and caffeine. This highlights the evolving landscape of synthetic drugs and the challenges faced by authorities in combating these substances.

Historically, nitazenes were developed as analgesics in the 1950s, but their marketing was abandoned due to the high risk of overdose. In the 2024 analysis, cannabis and edibles constituted 44 percent of all drugs examined, with powdered substances accounting for 38 percent of cases. The total number of cases submitted to FSI by An Garda Síochána and other State agencies reached a staggering 25,170, which included 10,595 drug and toxicology investigations.

Additionally, the report notes a troubling increase in suspicious death investigations, with FSI reporting 41 cases in 2024, a 17 percent rise from 35 in 2023. FSI staff provided expert testimony in court on 110 occasions last year, contributing critical DNA evidence in numerous investigations related to murder, serious assaults, sexual offenses, and drug-related crimes.

Impact on Law Enforcement and Public Safety

The extensive work conducted by FSI has facilitated the identification of 32 missing persons through DNA analysis in 2024. The report highlights that 997 cases were aided by approximately 766 hits on the national DNA database, underscoring the importance of forensic science in modern law enforcement.

The findings presented by FSI reflect a growing concern over the prevalence of synthetic opioids and their impact on public health and safety. As authorities continue to adapt to this evolving threat, the importance of collaboration between forensic science and law enforcement remains crucial in addressing the challenges posed by synthetic drugs in Ireland and beyond.