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UK Faces Rising Threat from Deadly Synthetic Opioids

3/18/2026

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Story summary
  • Graeme Biggar, Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA), says synthetic opioids, nitazenes, pose a UK threat, linked to 1,000 deaths since June 2023.
  • He notes the threat is evolving and half of homicides and thefts are drug-related.
  • Fatalities declined in 2025, but law enforcement remains vigilant.
  • Biggar warns the Iran conflict could raise illegal migration to Britain, with the Horn of Africa the leading migrant source in 2025.