UK deploys world’s first dogs trained to detect deadly synthetic opioids

Specially trained detection dogs are now helping UK Border Force officers identify potent synthetic opioids like nitazenes and fentanyl at key entry points.

This initiative is part of a broader international effort to combat the rising threat of synthetic drugs, which have been linked to hundreds of UK fatalities and are increasingly trafficked by sophisticated criminal networks.

The Home Office says synthetic opioids pose a “growing public health challenge”. Their extreme potency increases the risk of accidental overdose, and their ease of concealment makes detection difficult.

Nitazenes can be between 50 and 500 times more potent than heroin, with more than 750 confirmed UK fatalities linked to these substances between June 1, 2023 and August 28, 2025.

How is Crimestoppers involved?

Earlier this year, we at Crimestoppers ran a campaign in Scotland to tackle the increase in synthetic opioid drug importing and manufacture, and the serious violence and exploitation associated with it.

Find out more

If you have information about who's involved with the manufacture, fortification and dealing of man-made drugs, you can tell us what you know and remain 100% anonymous - guaranteed.

Call 0800 555 111 any time, or fill in our online form here on our website:

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 25 November 2025