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...

New research examining more than 62,000 criminal incidents across 13 police forces in England found that police-led drug diversion schemes are associated with significantly lower reoffending rates than traditional prosecution for drug possession. Individuals who were referred to treatment or education services through diversion programmes were around one-third less likely to reoffend than those who were prosecuted.

The study also found that diversion schemes remain underused, with many eligible individuals not being referred despite established programmes in some police forces. Researchers...

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 report examines how the rapid growth of synthetic drug markets is transforming the global drug landscape and challenging traditional approaches to drug control. Unlike plant-based drugs such as cocaine and heroin, synthetic drugs can be manufactured almost anywhere using a wide range of precursor chemicals, making production more flexible and difficult to disrupt.

The report highlights that synthetic drug markets are now present in almost every country and have experienced the fastest growth of any criminal market since 2021. Lower barriers to production have enabled both organised...

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 European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) continues to monitor illicit drug production and precursor chemicals across Europe to improve understanding of how drug markets are evolving. Production within the European Union is primarily focused on synthetic stimulants, including amphetamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and synthetic cathinones, while production methods are becoming increasingly flexible and adaptive.

The report also highlights the significant environmental and public safety risks associated with illicit drug production. Drug manufacturing can generate large amounts of hazardous chemical...

The European Drug Report 2026: Trends and Developments provides the latest overview of the drug situation across Europe, drawing on data from EU Member States, Türkiye, and Norway. The report examines patterns of drug use, drug-related harms, drug supply, treatment services, and other interventions, offering a comprehensive picture of developments up to the end of 2025.

Using data collected through national monitoring systems and European research networks, the report highlights emerging trends and supports evidence-informed responses to drug-related challenges. It also emphasises the...

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 UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs is a practical online resource coordinated by UNODC that brings together tools, guidance, and operational resources from across the UN system to support responses to the global synthetic drug problem. Covering topics such as diversion prevention, investigations, trafficking, criminal financing, and cybercrime, the Toolkit is regularly updated to help policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and practitioners address the rapidly evolving synthetic drug landscape.

 

ISSUP will be sharing selected modules, tools, and resources from the UN Toolkit on Synthetic...

The Tobacco Control Scale 2025 shows that progress in tobacco control across Europe has slowed, with more countries recording lower scores than in previous years. Key reasons include the failure to regulate heated tobacco products in the same way as cigarettes and the lack of adjustments to tobacco taxes and prices to keep pace with inflation.

UNODC has launched a new Security Document Examination module within the UN Toolkit on Synthetic Drugs, developed in collaboration with the UNODC Laboratory and Scientific Services. The module aims to help law enforcement, border control authorities, and forensic experts detect and respond to the use of fraudulent documents in synthetic drug trafficking.

Criminal networks often rely on forged passports, identity documents, and manipulated shipping and travel records to conceal identities and facilitate cross-border operations. The new module provides practical guidance on document examination...