In 2025, Spain remains largely untouched by the wave of deadly synthetic opioids known as nitazenes. Despite alarming reports from other European countries, local drug syndicates show little interest in these substances. Experts point out that nitazenes, hundreds of times more potent than heroin, have not yet entered the Spanish market. Over the past year, there have been no recorded cases of overdoses from these compounds, and according to specialists, the main threat is only a theoretical possibility that some small-scale dealers might mix nitazenes into heroin.
Police and relevant authorities agree: the situation is currently under control. Major drug groups are not interested in nitazenes, as they do not want to lose loyal customers or jeopardize stable profits. Heroin of Afghan origin continues to dominate the Spanish market, and demand for synthetic opioids remains extremely low.
Nitazenes: The Threat That Passed Spain By
While dozens of nitazene poisoning cases are being reported in the Baltics, Scandinavia, the UK, and France, Spain shows the opposite trend. No large shipments of these substances have been detected, and all attempts at introduction have been limited to isolated discoveries of derivative compounds in 2022 and 2023.
The reason for this situation lies in the specifics of the Spanish drug market. Heroin is plentiful in Spain, supplies are stable, and harvests in Afghanistan have even increased. This reduces interest in new synthetic drugs, which also require specialized handling skills due to their microscopic dosages. For comparison: the lethal dose of isotonitazene is just 200 micrograms, making it extremely dangerous even for experienced users.
International experience and risks for Spain
In other European countries, nitazenes have already caused hundreds of poisonings and dozens of deaths. In 2023 alone, more than 300 incidents related to their use were reported across eight countries. Most often, nitazenes entered the market as powders, tablets, or capsules, frequently mixed with heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit benzodiazepines. This made them especially dangerous for unsuspecting users.
However, there have not yet been such cases in Spain. According to experts, even if some small-time drug dealers try to use nitazenes to boost profits, these substances are unlikely to become widespread. The reasons are a lack of demand and lower profitability compared to heroin. Additionally, the major Turkish drug cartels controlling heroin supply are not inclined to cooperate with Chinese synthetic drug manufacturers due to political and ethnic disagreements.
Control and prospects: why Spain is in no rush to sound the alarm
In 2024, Spanish law enforcement seized 129 kilograms of heroin—60% less than the previous year. This points to a decline in market activity, but not to a shift towards synthetic opioids. During the same period, only a small amount of fentanyl and its derivatives was detected, and nitazenes did not appear at all in confiscation statistics.
Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation. Their main concern is the potential appearance of nitazenes in counterfeit batches of heroin. However, no cases of mass poisoning have been reported so far. Monitoring systems are operating as normal, and at the slightest sign of a threat, measures will be taken to prevent the spread of these substances.
Nitazenes: Danger Lies in the Details
The key feature of nitazenes is their extreme toxicity and the challenge of accurate dosing. The difference between an active and a lethal dose is just a few dozen micrograms. For some compounds, a lethal dose for one person could be typical for another, making the use of these substances extremely risky. Even the smallest mixing error can have fatal consequences.
In the past two years, Europe experienced overdose outbreaks caused specifically by nitazenes being used as additives in other drugs. However, in 2025, with the exception of the Baltic states, such incidents have been rare. This may indicate that even criminal organizations are starting to abandon nitazenes due to their unpredictability and the high mortality rate among users.
Conclusion: Spain keeps the situation under control
As of today, nitazenes do not pose a real threat to Spanish society. Lack of demand, stable heroin supplies, and caution on the part of drug syndicates allow for a sense of calm. Nevertheless, authorities remain vigilant and continue to monitor the market to respond promptly to any changes. For now, Spain remains one of the few European countries where synthetic opioids have failed to gain a foothold.
