Danish authorities are raising alarms over the surging prevalence and abuse of opioids, such as tramadol and fentanyl, leading to stricter penalties and increased focus on combating drug trafficking. The rise in opioid-related hospital admissions and a growing awareness of their dangers among young people underscores the urgency of addressing this issue.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard has announced significantly harsher penalties for those involved in selling and distributing these drugs, with some penalties increasing by up to 400 percent. This action follows a surge in the number of seized opioid pills in recent years.
Customs officials have reported a dramatic increase in the seizure of pills containing new psychoactive substances, including opioids. In 2020, they detained 257,935 units, which rose to 960,366 in 2023 and further to 1,411,239 in 2024. The Customs Agency expresses significant concern over this increasing trend.
The situation in the United States, where opioids caused over 80,000 fatal overdoses between 2021 and 2022, serves as a stark warning for Denmark. The Justice Minister emphasizes the importance of preventing a similar crisis in Denmark and has made opioids the most severely punished group of drugs.
Efforts to combat illegal opioid sales and narcotics will be a priority during the Danish EU Presidency. Studies indicate that approximately four percent of young Danes between 15 and 19 years old have used opioids recently, and treatment centers are seeing more young people under 30 seeking help for opioid abuse. Hospital admissions for opioid poisoning among young people aged 16 to 20 have increased by 200 percent between 2018 and 2023.
A recent trend report indicates a growing awareness among young people in Danish party culture that opioids are dangerous. While opioid use occurs “recreationally,” it is also considered a taboo. Opioids are viewed as the “most dangerous and extreme drug,” with their addictive properties, sedative effects, and overdose risks causing fear and abstinence among users.
The government has presented an action plan to address the ease with which opioids can be obtained, often through kiosks and social media. The Danish Medicines Agency has identified and reported illegal online pharmacies selling various medications, including opioids. They warn about the dangers of buying medicine online and advise purchasing medications only from pharmacies, approved websites, or authorized retail stores.