The Journal. The Drug You’ve Never Heard of Wreaking Havoc Across Europe
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Aug 12, 2025 
In this discussion, Sune Rasmussen, a WSJ reporter with expertise in security and organized crime, unpacks the alarming rise of nitazenes, a synthetic opioid up to 15 times stronger than fentanyl. He reveals the tragic impact of this drug across Europe, recounting heartbreaking stories such as that of a young opera singer who died from counterfeit pills. Sune also explores the dangers of black market drugs, the challenges of detection, and the urgent need for regulatory responses as Europe faces a potential opioid crisis.
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Extreme Potency And Medical Status
- Nitazenes are lab-made synthetic opioids far more potent than heroin and fentanyl, with no approved medical use.
- Tiny doses (around 0.5–1 mg) can cause overdose, making them uniquely dangerous as contaminants.
Rapid Emergence And Hidden Toll
- Nitazenes began appearing in Europe in 2019 and have been linked to hundreds of deaths since, with testing likely undercounting cases.
- Countries with established heroin markets, like Estonia and the UK, have been especially hard hit.
Mother Who Uncovered A Hidden Cause
- Anne Jacques investigated her son Alex Harpam's death and pushed for testing that found nitazenes in counterfeit Xanax.
- She effectively had to conduct her own inquiry to confirm the lethal contaminant in black-market pills.