The rise of synthetic drugs is generating a new concern in Latin America. Although fentanyl has garnered most of the attention, other psychoactive substances are not only redefining the landscape of addictions and overdoses but also pose a serious threat to public health and safety in the region.  

In recent years, the United States has faced a troubling increase in the prevalence and diversity of synthetic drugs. According to a recent report by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), this phenomenon not only constitutes a significant challenge to public health in the country but also to its legal and regulatory framework.  

Although Latin America has not yet rigorously addressed this issue, it finds itself at a crossroads. The proliferation of clandestine laboratories and the lack of regulation in the pharmaceutical industry have contributed to the gradual emergence of new synthetic drugs in the region. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), “continued record illicit drug supply and increasingly agile trafficking networks are compounding intersecting global crises and challenging health services and law enforcement responses.”  

The DEA report also highlights the growing phenomenon of polyconsumption, i.e., the simultaneous use of multiple substances, a situation that further complicates the treatment of addictions. This trend toward the consumption of combinations of synthetic drugs exacerbates health risks and presents significant challenges for healthcare providers in identifying and treating overdoses and addictions. Polyconsumption reflects the complexity of modern addiction and underscores the need for holistic and multifaceted approaches in prevention, education, and treatment.  

The Phenomenon of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs

The United States has been hit hard by fentanyl, a drug that has claimed more than 90,000 lives due to overdose and has triggered a public health crisis. The presence of fentanyl in the illicit drug market has displaced other more traditional substances, further complicating the situation. This phenomenon, known as “drug substitution,” presents an additional challenge for authorities seeking to control the problem.  

While it has not yet reached the same prevalence as in the United States, the possibility of an increase in fentanyl trafficking and consumption in Latin America is a real threat. In an interview with Infobae, Laura Richardson, the general in charge of the United States Southern Command, stated, “It is only a matter of time before fentanyl becomes an epidemic in Latin America. What we see is with cocaine, which is the predominant drug in this region… Cocaine mixed with fentanyl. That is why we must work better together to help crush this criminal activity that only allows these criminal networks and their portfolios to expand.”  

The threat is not only from fentanyl. Nitazenes, a class of synthetic opioids developed since the 1950s, have recently re-emerged as another global concern. These substances, which can be hundreds or thousands of times more potent than morphine, pose a significant danger due to their high toxicity and ability to go undetected. Despite the lack of formal clinical trials, it is believed that nitazenes could also gain ground in the region, potentially causing more devastating effects than fentanyl.  

Alongside fentanyls and nitazenes is ketamine, known for its role as an anesthetic and sedative in medical and veterinary settings, which has sparked interest in both the medical and recreational spheres due to its psychoactive and dissociative effects. Although its therapeutic use for treating psychiatric disorders, such as treatment-resistant depression, is promising, its popularity as a recreational drug, known as “Special K,” raises significant public health concerns.  

The abuse of ketamine carries significant risks, such as the potential for addiction, adverse side effects, and damage to the urinary tract. Additionally, its combination with other substances, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, increases the risk of overdose and severe side effects.  

At the same time, designer benzodiazepines, present in pill form and often counterfeited to resemble legitimate medications, represent another growing concern in the recreational drug market. Although they appear harmless, these substances can have diverse effects on users, from causing anxiety or agitation to acting as depressants or hallucinogens. Besides the risk of overdose, which is considerably higher than that of conventional benzodiazepines, these drugs can trigger a wide range of adverse effects, such as excessive sedation and risk of injury, especially when combined with other central nervous system depressants like opioids.  

Challenges and opportunities in Latin America

In Latin America, the lack of regulation in the pharmaceutical industry and the presence of clandestine laboratories hinder efforts to control the production and distribution of these substances. Furthermore, the underestimation of the problem and the lack of effective public policies have left the region vulnerable to the threat of synthetic drugs.  

The lack of resources is another limitation to the response capacity of Latin American countries. Added to this are factors such as corruption, insufficient coordination among government agencies, and little funding for prevention and treatment programs for the manufacture, trafficking, and consumption of synthetic drugs.  

To address this issue in Latin America, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach that includes preventive actions and effective public policies, such as strengthening pharmaceutical control, reviewing existing legislation, and implementing measures to detect and prevent the trafficking of synthetic drugs. It is also crucial to promote public awareness about the risks associated with the consumption of these substances and encourage regional collaboration to face this growing threat.  

In this regard, international cooperation plays a fundamental role in the fight against synthetic drugs. Latin America must work closely with the United States and other affected countries to share information, coordinate actions, and effectively combat the illicit drug trade. This includes collaboration in intercepting drug shipments, dismantling drug trafficking networks, and strengthening criminal justice systems to bring traffickers to justice.

Translated by Ricardo from the original in Spanish.