Emergency Meeting Called in Iceland Following Seizure of Dangerous Opioids

Health Minister Urges Proactive Measures Against Synthetic Opioids

In response to the recent seizure of counterfeit OxyContin tablets containing the potent synthetic opioid nitazene, the Icelandic Ministry of Health convened an emergency meeting to address the emerging threat. The meeting took place on April 8, 2025, and included key representatives from national health institutions, law enforcement agencies, and harm reduction organizations.

Urgent Call to Action

Minister of Health Alma D. Möller expressed grave concern over the risks associated with nitazene, which has been linked to numerous fatalities throughout Europe due to its potential for causing respiratory failure. “Organized crime knows no borders,” she noted, emphasizing the need for a vigorous response to prevent the drug from entering the Icelandic market. Möller advocated for a coordinated effort to monitor and respond to potential occurrences of nitazene.

Key Measures Discussed

During the meeting, various strategies were proposed to mitigate the risks posed by this synthetic opioid. These include:

• Establishment of a Dedicated Monitoring Group: This group will focus on tracking potential threats related to nitazene.
• Increased Availability of Rapid Tests: Making rapid testing for nitazene more accessible will help identify its presence in street drugs.
• Broader Access to Naloxone: Increasing the availability of naloxone, a life-saving antidote for opioid overdoses, is essential for protecting individuals at risk.
• Support for Harm Reduction Organizations: Assistance will be provided to organizations analyzing street drugs to ensure greater safety for users.
• Early Warning Protocol: A shared protocol between various agencies will facilitate swift communication regarding potential risks associated with nitazene.
• Educational Campaigns: Programs will be launched to inform healthcare workers, responders, and drug users about the dangers of nitazene.

Regulatory Updates

A report from the Icelandic Medicines Agency indicated that the specific form of nitazene seized was not previously classified as illegal in Iceland. In light of this, the Ministry of Health has promptly updated the relevant regulations to categorize this variant of nitazene as illegal, effective immediately.

Conclusion

These emergency measures mark a significant step forward in Iceland’s drug safety policy. The government is committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and frontline responders from the dangers of emerging synthetic opioids like nitazene. The coordinated efforts aim to prevent the infiltration of these harmful substances into the Icelandic drug market and to ensure preparedness for any future incidents.

As the situation unfolds, the Ministry of Health will continue to closely monitor the threat posed by nitazene and implement necessary actions to safeguard public health.