Bottom line up front: Novel psychoactive substances are gaining popularity. See what is new in this world from exerpts from a recent UN report on NPS drugs)
In an era where the drug landscape is rapidly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is more crucial than ever for law enforcement agencies. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has recently released an in-depth report on New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), which are substances engineered to mimic traditional illicit drugs. I’ll break down the most critical findings of this report, focusing on what U.S. law enforcement needs to know to adapt and respond effectively.
The Rise of New Psychoactive Substances
The report underscores the persistent emergence of NPS, which are designed to replicate the effects of well-known illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and MDMA. The most dominant groups among these new substances are Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (SCRA’s) and stimulants, accounting for 40% and 23% of new substances, respectively. Following closely are synthetic opioids, which make up 18% of the new substances.
Key Takeaway: Targeted Focus
Understanding the types of NPS that are most prevalent can help law enforcement agencies focus their efforts more effectively. For instance, knowing that synthetic cannabinoids and stimulants are the most common types of NPS can guide both investigative priorities and public awareness campaigns.
Toxicology Reports: A Snapshot
The UNODC report analyzed a total of 1,270 toxicology cases that involved NPS. Notably, in 89% of these cases, only a single NPS was identified. This suggests that users often consume these substances in isolation, without mixing them with other drugs.
Key Takeaway: Potency and Identification
The high percentage of single-substance use cases indicates that NPS are potent enough to be used on their own. This could complicate efforts to identify and control these substances, as users may not exhibit the multi-drug symptoms that often trigger further investigation.
Driving Under the Influence of NPS
One of the most concerning aspects of the report is the prevalence of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) cases that involve NPS. Specifically, benzodiazepine-type NPS were the most commonly reported substances in these cases. The top four substances implicated were etizolam, flubromazolam, flualprazolam, and bromazolam.
Key Takeaway: Training and Equipment
The increase in DUID cases involving NPS highlights the urgent need for law enforcement to receive updated training and equipment to detect these substances. Traditional field sobriety tests may not be sufficient, and specialized drug recognition training may be necessary. You can get this training by taking our Drug Abuse Recognition course that is completely online and you can take it at your own pace. Just click the link below.
Regional Trends: A Global Problem with Local Implications
Although the report is global, it's crucial to understand that NPS are a worldwide issue with potential local ramifications. For example, the report noted that ketamine use cases were primarily reported from South-East Asia. However, the international nature of drug trafficking means that substances popular in one region can quickly become a problem in another.
Key Takeaway: Stay Alert to Global Trends
Law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant to global trends, as they can serve as indicators of what might soon appear on American streets. International cooperation and intelligence-sharing are key components in staying ahead of these trends.
The UNODC report is an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities and challenges posed by NPS. For U.S. law enforcement, staying updated on these trends is not just beneficial—it's essential for the safety and security of our communities. By understanding the types of NPS in circulation, their effects, and their prevalence in activities like driving under the influence, agencies can better prepare and respond to this evolving threat.
Want to look at the data on your own? Download the report here.
Final Thoughts
Knowledge is power, and in the fight against NPS, it's our most potent weapon. The insights from this report can serve as a roadmap for law enforcement agencies, guiding both policy and practice. Let's use this information to make our communities safer and more secure.