Danish authorities are raising alarms about the increasing prevalence of illegal opioids, such as tramadol and fentanyl, in the country, with Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard vowing tougher penalties for dealers. This follows a surge in opioid seizures and growing awareness among young people about the dangers of these drugs.
The Customs Agency has reported a dramatic increase in seized pills containing psychoactive substances, including opioids. In 2020, 257,935 items were detained, while in 2023, the number rose to 960,366, and further increased to 1,411,239 items in 2024. Customs officials have stopped numerous courier transports attempting to smuggle these substances into Denmark through Copenhagen Airport and border crossings.
Control Director Jeppe Kjærgaard from the Customs Agency expressed great concern over the increasing trend of opioid abuse. The surge in seizures comes amid growing focus on opioid abuse, which has had devastating consequences in the United States, where it is estimated that opioids resulted in more than 80,000 fatal overdoses between 2021 and 2022.
Hummelgaard emphasized the need to prevent a similar crisis in Denmark, stating that opioids have now been designated as the most severely punished group of substances. The government is also prioritizing efforts to curb the sale of illegal opioids during the Danish EU Presidency.
Studies indicate that approximately four percent of young Danes between 15 and 19 years old have used opioids recently. Treatment centers are seeing an increase in young people under 30 seeking help for opioid abuse. Hospital admissions for opioid poisoning among young people aged 16 to 20 have also risen sharply, from 47 in 2018 to 141 in 2023 – an increase of 200 percent. Opioids are believed to be a major factor in the country’s drug-related deaths.
A recent trend report on drug use in Danish party culture indicates that while recreational opioid use at festivals exists, it is considered taboo. Opioids are generally viewed as the “most dangerous and extreme substance,” with users highlighting the addictive properties, sedative effects, and overdose risks as primary concerns.
The government has introduced an action plan targeting the accessibility of opioids, which are often sold in kiosks and via social media. The Danish Medicines Agency has identified and reported several Danish-language websites selling illegal medicines, including opioids. The Agency warns against buying medicine online from unverified sources due to potential health risks and urges consumers to purchase medications only from pharmacies, approved websites, or authorized retailers.