VIENNA, Austria – March 2021: In 2020, NPS with opioid effect were the second largest group of NPS reported for the first time at the global level, at par with synthetic cannabinoids (11 substances each) and only slightly smaller than stimulants with 15 substances. Up to December 2020, the emergence of a total of 46 substances was reported in 2020. Figures are still preliminary and subject to revision.

The emergence of new substances poses significant challenges to control efforts and health services. Information from the EWA contributes to identifying the most harmful, persistent and prevalent NPS as an important step towards prioritizing NPS for international review in the framework of the International Drug Control Conventions.

To assist the work of law enforcement, forensic drug testing and toxicology laboratories, UNODC provides analytical information on NPS in the EWA as well as assistance in the areas of quality assurance, provision of manuals and guidelines, field detection, and training.

Figure: New psychoactive substances reported for the first time at the global level in 2020*, by effect group  

Source: UNODC Early Warning Advisory on NPS, 2021.

Note: *Data collection for 2020 is not completed yet and therefore subject to change. The total number of NPS reported for the first time at a global level amounted to 46 substances up to December 2020. Plant-based substances were excluded from the analysis as they usually contain a large number of different substances, some of which may not have been known and whose effects and interactions are not fully understood.

For more information, please see:

Laboratory and Scientific Services Publications