Nitazenes are synthetic opioids that are up to 40 times more potent than fentanyl and 500 times more potent than heroin. Even trace amounts can lead to overdose. Hundreds of people have died from their use since 2019, particularly in Estonia, Latvia, Ireland, the UK, and Sweden.
In this joint investigation with Bellingcat and Postimees, the team looked at where these drugs are coming from and who they’re affecting. The investigation analysed a trove of over 1,000 advertisements selling different types of nitazenes, most of which are posted on marketplaces targeting international buyers.
The team analysed websites, social media accounts and contact details associated with the ads, and filed public requests for information about companies linked to the drug sales. It found that a number of the companies linked to the ads matched the listings for companies on China's company register – including one registered company advertising numerous of nitazenes online. Searches of court files and customs records uncovered additional evidence linking shipment of nitazenes seized in Europe back to China.
Postimees also looked at the context in Estonia, a country where more than half of drug-related deaths are attributed to nitazenes and where more than 100 people have died from the drugs in less than two years. Estonia’s escalating crisis is fuelled by high profits for dealers and affects the country's Russian-speaking community in particular, according to Postimees' investigation.
Postimees spoke to drug users and dealers of nitazenes, scientists, harm-reduction specialists, police officers and combed through scores of court documents to better understand how nitazenes enter Estonia, are distributed and ultimately end up in the hands of users.
Image: © Lauren Bolger
