Synthetic drugs surge across US as overdose deaths drop to 70,000
Synthetic drugs sweep across the United States, intensifying America's drug crisis despite overdose deaths falling to roughly 70,000 last year from a 2022 peak of 110,000. Authorities increasingly worry about cheaper, more potent drugs including tranq, an animal tranquilizer. Chicago's South Side communities battle the crisis as President Trump pledges a cartel crackdown.
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Published 18 Oct 2026, 21:00 UTC · Updated 18 Oct 2026, 21:11 UTC
Summary by OZbrief Editorial. Original report: BBC News – World. Editorial policy · Corrections
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