LISBON , Portugal, May 27 (UPI) -- A European drug watchdog warned Tuesday of new and unregulated drugs on the market for recreational use.
The European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction, an agency of the European Union based in Lisbon, Portugal, said in an annual report that 81 new drugs -- sold as "legal highs" and masked as incense, bath salts, jewelry cleaner and plant food -- were on the market in 2013.
Over 350 such substances are now being monitored by the agency.
The synthetic drugs are typically designed to approximate the effects of illegal substances such as heroin or marijuana. Once a drug is declared illegal, it is often replaced by a new and unregulated version.
The agency noted MDPV, a drug sold as a legal substitute for cocaine. It has been responsible for 99 deaths since it was made available in 2008. The report also warned of the rising use of synthetic opioids -- in the class that includes heroin and drugs treating heroin addiction -- and that the active ingredients of some drugs are getting stronger.
"There are signs that the ecstasy and cannabis sold on the street are getting stronger," said European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom. "I am deeply concerned that the drugs consumed in Europe today may be even more damaging to users' health than in the past."
