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Health news

Police seize €57 million in black market medicines, weight loss drugs

Interpol cited a concerning rise in demand for unauthorised weight loss drugs and peptide supplements in Europe and other wealthy regions.

Culture news

Syringe attacks during France’s music street festival leave 145 jabbed

Renewed fears of syringe attacks come as 145 people across France reported being stabbed with needles at annual street music festival, La Fête de la Musique. A spokeswoman for the Interior Ministry said: “The ministry is taking this very seriously."

Health news

Why Denmark wants parents to talk to their teens about opioids

Danish authorities launched the campaign after a survey found that nearly half of Copenhagen parents do not know enough about opioids to talk to their children about the drugs.

Health news

Overdoses and drug-related gang violence are rising, EU officials say

Europe’s emerging drug threats span everything from fake medicines, cocaine busts, and synthetic weed, according to a new report.

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Europe News

Digital weight loss: How online Ozempic buyers bypass prescriptions

Weight loss drugs can be purchased online with ease, and a boom in sales exposes consumers to risk.

Portugal

Police bust major drug trafficking ring in central Portugal

The crackdown began with an arrest in Évora and escalated with 29 coordinated search warrants executed across the region, including the Santarém District.

Health news

Europe's teens are turning to vapes instead of taking drugs or alcohol

The new analysis tracked nearly 114,000 teenagers across 37 countries in Europe.

France

France to build high-security jail in Amazon to house drug traffickers

The country's Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the €400-million scheme during a visit to French Guiana on Sunday.

Health news

US overdose deaths fell 27% last year, but remain far above EU levels

An estimated 80,000 people in the US died from drug overdoses in 2024.

Mexico

Mexican mayor arrested as part of cartel training site probe

Bones, shoes and clothes were discovered in March at the Izaguirre Ranch, which is located in Mexico's western Jalisco province.

Business

Novartis posts better-than-expected sales driven by medicine demand

The Swiss pharma company also raised its full-year guidance, with sales expected to grow by high-single digits and core operating income set to grow by low double-digits.

Healthcare

Scientists aim to vet claims that microdosing boosts well-being

Small studies on how microdosing affects people’s mental wellbeing have uncovered a powerful placebo effect.

Europe News

Over 230 arrested as Europol dismantles drug smuggling networks

Europol said the investigation, codenamed Operation Bulut, took place across multiple jurisdictions and involved authorities in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.

Europe News

Dutch cannabis growers welcome expansion of scheme to legalise sales

While growing cannabis is still illegal, cannabis shops — known as coffeeshops — in 10 municipalities will be allowed to sell marijuana from 10 licensed producers.

Health news

US aid cuts strain needle exchange lifeline for South Africa's addicts

The harm reduction initiative is not funded by the US, but it is now competing for scarce local resources.

Health news

Pee from 130 European cities reveals hike in recreational drug use

Illicit drugs found in wastewater from cities across Europe indicate a rise in stimulant consumption across the bloc, according to a new study.

Health news

Dutch authorities warn against buying fake painkillers online

Counterfeit oxycodone circulating in the Netherlands poses serious health risks, authorities said.

Netherlands

Philippines' ex-leader Duterte flown to the Hague on ICC charges

The Hague-based court has been investigating the mass killings linked to Duterte's so-called war on drugs.

Healthcare

Which critical medicines are in short supply in the EU?

The drug shortages are the result of manufacturing problems, increased demand, and other issues.

Philippines

Ex-Philippine leader Duterte arrested over drug killings

The administration of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said it would cooperate if the ICC asked international police to take Duterte into custody.