The UK Government has announced tighter restrictions on a range of synthetic drugs with the enforcement of The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2024 and accompanying regulations set to take place on 15 January 2025. These sweeping amendments reflect the government’s response to an escalating public health and safety crisis posed by emerging and dangerous substances.
New classifications now place six potent synthetic opioids, including AP-237 and nitazenes, under the most severe legal category, Class A. These drugs, associated with fatal respiratory depression, have no medical use and can now only be accessed under strict licensing for research purposes. Possession could mean up to 7 years in prison, while production or supply carries a maximum life sentence. This decisive action comes after recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), highlighting the escalating dangers of these substances on public health. As noted in Hansard (UK Parliament), “Fifteen synthetic opioids, including 14 nitazenes, will be controlled as Class A drugs under the 1971 Act. This follows recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs”.
Benzodiazepines, despite their reputation as sedatives, have seen an influx of dangerous, unregulated variants across Europe, prompting the classification of 15 new compounds, including cloniprazepam and flubrotizolam, as Class C drugs. Meanwhile, xylazine, a veterinary sedative linked to deaths in illicit drug mixtures, also joins the Class C roster but retains limited approval for veterinary use under strict regulation. The rise of such substances, especially when combined with opioids, has intensified their role in life-threatening overdoses. According to the Waltham Forest Council Bulletin, “Synthetic opioids such as fentanyls and nitazenes caused spikes in drug-related deaths in England in 2017, 2021 and most recently in 2023”.
Additionally, the legislation renamed and clarified control measures for methoxyphenidine, a drug known for hallucinogenic effects similar to ketamine, further tightening monitoring mechanisms.
Significantly, these updated controls prohibited substances like nitazenes through even broader “generic definitions,” ensuring new analogues cannot bypass regulation. The law targets the evolving tactics of illicit drug manufacturers seeking to exploit loopholes and flood the market with untested, highly potent products.
These measures send a powerful message about prioritising public safety over permissive drug policies. Alongside stringent controls, the penalties reflect the gravity of these substances’ impact on communities—amplifying consequences not only for users but also manufacturers and suppliers.
The reforms aim to stay ahead of new drug threats, keeping the public safe from serious risks tied to misuse and stopping access to dangerous drugs that cause lasting harm.
Source: GOV.UK
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