The number of registered overdoses involving illegal drugs, psychoactive substances and certain medications in the Czech Republic increased significantly in 2025. According to the police, officers have been called to 257 cases. A total of 111 people died as a result of intoxication.
Compared with the previous year, this represents an increase of several dozen cases. However, authorities note that the higher figures may partly be linked to more accurate statistical monitoring. The reason for this is the growing spread of highly toxic synthetic opioids across Europe.
Police also stressed that the statistics only include cases in which emergency services were called to the scene. The actual number of poisonings requiring emergency medical assistance or hospital treatment is therefore likely to be considerably higher.
More drug overdoses in Prague and South Moravia: Young people particularly affected
The highest number of reported intoxications was recorded in Prague with 73 cases, followed by the South Moravian Region with 59 cases. In South Moravia in particular, the number of registered cases nearly tripled compared with 2024.
While almost every second reported case in Prague proved fatal – 37 people died and 36 survived – authorities in South Moravia recorded 12 deaths out of a total of 59 reported intoxications.
The data show that young people were more frequently affected by intoxications, although they also survived more often. In the under-18 age group, eight people died, while another 75 minors suffered non-fatal intoxication.
Among those aged 19 to 25, 20 people died as a result of drug use. A further 30 deaths involved people aged between 26 and 35, while another 30 deaths were recorded in the 36 to 45 age group. Twelve victims were aged between 46 and 55, while a further 11 were older than 55.
In around 40 of the 111 fatal intoxications, a combination of multiple substances played a role. Methamphetamine (Pervitin) and various medications were detected particularly frequently, including benzodiazepines, antidepressants, fentanyl and other opiates.
Kratom was also detected in 17 fatal cases. In four of those cases, it was the only detected substance, while in 11 cases Kratom had been consumed together with medications or other drugs.
Authorities warn about synthetic cannabinoids in joints, vapes and sweets
Products containing synthetic cannabinoids continue to cause particular concern among authorities. These include pre-rolled joints, enhanced cannabis flowers, electronic cigarettes and sweets containing high-risk semi-synthetic or synthetic cannabinoids.
In connection with these products, police have already recorded 52 non-fatal intoxications this year, as well as one death immediately following the consumption of a product containing synthetic cannabinoids. Last year, these substances were also detected in three fatal cases – in two instances in combination with other substances.
