State Agency Warns of Rising Synthetic Opioids Threat in 2024

The state agency responsible for monitoring illicit drugs has issued a significant warning regarding the escalating threat of synthetic opioids, following the identification of ten new drug substances in the past year. According to the **2024 annual report** from **Forensic Science Ireland (FSI)**, there has been a remarkable increase in cases related to large drug seizures, which rose from **45 cases in 2020** to **318 cases in 2024**, marking a sevenfold increase.

In her statement, acting director general **Dr. Geraldine O’Donnell** highlighted a concerning trend in drug seizures. Between **2022 and 2023**, FSI identified various variants of nitazene, a class of synthetic opioids, in small quantities of tablets and powders. Notably, **2024** has been marked by substantial seizures of nitazene, including two of the largest recorded not only in Ireland but across Europe.

The report specifies that among the newly identified substances is **protonitazene**, a synthetic opioid 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 had been mixed with caffeine and paracetamol. This dangerous mixture was intended for distribution in the heroin market but was successfully intercepted by law enforcement.

An additional substance noted in the report is a pink powder referred to as “Tuci,” weighing **125 grams** and containing a combination of ketamine, amphetamine, MDMA, and caffeine. The emergence of such substances indicates a worrying trend in drug presentations.

The report also underscores that while nitazenes were originally developed as analgesics in the **1950s**, they were never marketed due to their high potential for overdose. A breakdown of drug types analyzed in **2024** showed that cannabis and edibles accounted for **44 percent** of all cases, while powders represented **38 percent**.

Overall, **25,170 cases** were submitted to FSI by An Garda Síochána and other state agencies last year, which included **10,595 drug and toxicology cases**. The report indicates a rise in suspicious death investigations, with **41 cases** reported in **2024**, a **17 percent** increase from **35 cases** in **2023**.

FSI’s role extends beyond drug analysis; it also provided independent expert testimony on **110 occasions** in court throughout **2024**. Additionally, DNA evidence from FSI was integral in numerous investigations involving serious crimes, including murders and gang-related activities.

Moreover, FSI facilitated the identification of **32 missing persons** through DNA analysis, contributing to the resolution of **997 cases** aided by **766 hits** on the national DNA database. These findings highlight the critical role of forensic science in public safety and law enforcement efforts in Ireland.