Frankfurt am Main has found itself at the center of a drug crisis due to the rapid spread of fentanyl, which is being trafficked from China.
City authorities fear that the situation could spiral out of control and escalate into an epidemic similar to the one unfolding in the United States. According to recent inspections, more than half of heroin users in Frankfurt have already switched to fentanyl. Out of 37 confiscated drug samples, 21 tested positive for this deadly opioid.
Fentanyl is considered to be 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Even a minimal dose can be fatal, as it suppresses respiratory function. To prevent a catastrophe, Frankfurt authorities plan to hold an international conference in June and seek assistance from foreign experts.
