Are synthetic opioids a global problem?

An increasing number of people are dying from misuse of synthetic opioids. In 2022, the US recorded over 70,000 overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids. The government is spending billions to combat the effects of these super strength drugs.

Synthetic opioids, such as Fentanyl, are made in laboratories by using materials derived from the opium poppy. China is a major hub for the production of synthetic opioids, where it then makes its way to North America through Mexican drug cartels. The lab-made drugs can be more deadly than the natural materials, but they are more easily accessible, and prevalence is rising across the world. In West Africa and the Middle East, tramadol is one of the most consumed synthetic drugs. The rise of synthetic opioids in the European market, which are being used as a substitute for a heroin shortage, is fuelling concern that these substances could lead to a rise in drug-related deaths. This week on The Inquiry, we’re asking are synthetic opioids a global problem? Contributors

Ric Treble, Forensic chemist and advisor to the Government’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs

Dr Angela Me, Chief of the Research and Trend Analysis Branch from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Ben Westhoff, author of Fentanyl, Inc and investigative journalist

Dr Vanda Felbab-Brown is a senior fellow in the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology in the Foreign Policy program at Brookings Institution Production team

Presenter: Charmaine Cozier

Producers: Vicky Carter and Matt Toulson

Researcher: Ajai Singh

Editor: Tara McDermott

Technical Producer: Cameron Ward

Production Co-ordinator: Liam Morrey Image credit: mikroman6 via Getty Images