Record number of new drugs in Belgium

The number of new drugs on the market has reached a record high in Belgium and the rest of Europe, according to a report by the European Drugs Agency (EMCDDA) and the Belgian drug report of the Scientific Institute of Public Health (IPH). These so-called “designer” drugs pose a new threat to public health, say the two bodies.

In 2013 there were a total of 81 new drugs reported by the EU Early Warning System, including 73 new psychoactive substances, the highest number ever recorded. In Belgium, several new types of drugs are found every year, says Michael Hogge of Eurotox, an anti-drug organisation in Belgium.

These designer drugs are especially dangerous because they are produced to mimic the effects of illegal drugs that are already on the list of banned substances, but have slightly different chemical structures, the effects of which are unknown. The drugs are often used on the Belgian club and nightlife scene.