Warning: Increase in Dangerous Street Drugs

The head of the National Crime Agency (NCA), Graeme Biggar, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating dangers of illegal street drugs, particularly high-strength synthetic opioids. In the NCA's annual crime threat assessment, Biggar highlighted that the illegal drug trade is the primary driver of organized crime in the UK, alongside serious issues like child sex abuse and human trafficking. He noted a staggering 60 percent increase in drug-related deaths over the past decade, with the UK now facing one of the highest drug death rates in Europe. Biggar specifically pointed to the alarming rise of synthetic opioids, such as nitazene, which have become more prevalent in street drugs. He cautioned that users may unknowingly consume these potent substances, which can be lethal even on the first use. This poses a significant risk, especially for young people who might mistakenly believe they are taking a different drug. The NCA estimates that drug misuse costs UK society around £20 billion annually, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and intervention. Cannabis remains the most widely consumed drug in the UK, with a notable increase in attempts by airline passengers to smuggle it into the country. Biggar emphasized the involvement of high-profile individuals in drug-related offenses, reflecting a broader societal issue. In addition to drug threats, the NCA is increasingly focused on the crime of "sextortion," where children are coerced into sharing indecent images and subsequently blackmailed. The agency is committed to combating organized crime, having seized over 400 boats used for illegal crossings in the past year.