Ireland has the highest use of new synthetic drugs in Europe, with consumption levels three times the EU average, according to the UN.
The United Nations drugs agency, however, said the effects of Irish laws aimed at addressing the problem “seem encouraging” and “could halt” the trend.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime said new psychoactive substances (NPS) were “proliferating at an unprecedented rate” across the world and posed “unforeseen public health” effects.
In its 2013 annual report, the agency said the number of NPS had risen from 166 in 2009 to 251 in 2012, a jump of 50%.
“For the first time, the number of NPS exceeded the total number of substances under international control [234]. Since new harmful substances have been emerging with unfailing regularity on the drug scene, the international drug control system is now challenged by the speed and creativity of the NPS phenomenon.”
It added: “Given the almost infinite scope to alter the chemical structure of NPS, new formulations are outpacing efforts to impose international control. While law enforcement lags behind, criminals have been quick to tap into this lucrative market. The adverse effects and addictive potential of most of these uncontrolled substances are at best poorly understood.”
It said the internet played a key role in the trade, with the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction identifying 693 online shops selling the drugs in 2012, up from 314 in 2011 and 170 in 2010.
The UN report said Ireland had the highest consumption rates of the drugs, with a lifetime (ever taken) usage rate of 16%, compared to an EU average of 5%. The next highest rate after Ireland was Poland at 9%.
Source: Cormac O'Keeffe, Irish Examiner, 27/06/2013
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