Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Accepted
Drug strategy requires rapid adaptation to emerging synthetic opioid threats, with ongoing government preparedness.
Conclusion
Mr Trace told us that changes in drug markets can happen rapidly, and that if synthetic opioids became more prevalent in the UK, the strategy would need to adapt rapidly.35 Mr Lay told us that there had been a synthetic opioid (isonitazenes) outbreak in London in 2021 and that policing was undertaking significant work on this threat.36 The Home Office told us it was alive to the changing risks posed by illegal drugs and work was underway to prepare for this emergent threat. It has increased efforts at the border to prevent the importation of fentanyl or its ingredients and has set up a cross-government task force.37 Impacts of funding uncertainty
Government Response Summary
The government reiterated its robust action against synthetic opioids, including the existing cross-government Synthetic Opioids Taskforce and the ongoing development of an early warning and drugs harm surveillance system.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2.3 The government is taking robust action to develop a whole-system approach to reducing drug-related harm. For example, the cross-government Synthetic Opioids Taskforce is leading and coordinating the system-wide response to the increased risk posed by synthetic opioids to the United Kingdom. It is supporting collaborative efforts including the DHSC-led development of an early warning and drugs harm surveillance system to enable a more long-term, resilient response to emerging threats.