Samples of 18 new types of psychoactive substances were found in the wastewater of different countries
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Researchers from the Australian University of Queensland found 18 new types of psychotropic substances in wastewater samples from 16 countries. According to the study, scientists analyzed samples from 2019 to 2022 in 47 cities in Europe, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, China, Brazil and Korea. New psychoactive substances (NPS) are compounds designed to mimic the effects of common illicit drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and MDMA. “These compounds are difficult for law enforcement agencies to control because they tend to be produced in much smaller quantities than traditional illicit drugs, and many of them have a ‘grey’ legal status,” the study said. Photo: LaCameraChiara/Depositphotos Information on the prevalence of NPS use is usually obtained from forensic analyses, surveys and pill testing, as well as social media monitoring. Wastewater analysis is also used to estimate the amount of drug use by the population. A new study shows that NPS are used on different continents and in different countries. The highest consumption of synthetic substances was recorded during the New Year period, which indicates the use of drugs at festivals and parties. However, the New Year period of 2020 saw a decrease in the use of psychoactive substances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The results of this study highlighted the need for a global campaign, as the problem of NPS use affects all countries at different levels and degrees,” say the scientists. Read also: No, dogs are not fed drugs. How dog handlers and four-legged employees of the National Police save the world
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