Drug war in Carinthia: Police starts offensive against Fentanyl and Co.

Drug crime in Austria has achieved an alarming extent, in particular by the threat of the synthetic wagment of fentanyl. Carinthia's police reacts preventively and has launched a working group to counteract the global problem of drug crime. As the Krone , Fentanyl is responsible for the increase in over 70,000 overdose notes in the United States in 2023, which also led to political measures, such as the 10 percent punitive tariffs against China, the main producer.

The dangerous synthetic opioid, originally developed as a pain reliever, is now also widespread as a leisure drug in Europe, especially in the darknet. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) is increasingly committed to combating drug crime and confronts the growing threat from new psychoactive substances (NPS), which are often offered as "legal highs". Reports from BKA According to many of these dangerous products come from illegal internet sources and represent a significant danger to public security.

The fight against drug mafia

According to the BKA, organized crime in Germany is massive in drug trafficking, whereby not only classic drugs such as heroin and cocaine, but also focus on new synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine. The authorities have to deal with a strongly increasing drug offer, while they are also against criminal groups that also commit preparation and violent crimes. The dark field was partially illuminated by extensive investigations and evaluations and important successes were booked, but the supply pressure of narcotics remains high.

The authorities face major challenges, especially when combating NPs. These substances are often developed to imitate the effects of traditional drugs, which makes identification and law enforcement difficult. To protect citizens, it is crucial that the legislator takes further measures to combat the illegal market and to ensure security.