Denmark to impose jail for opioid sales

The Danish government plans to implement prison sentences instead of fines for the sale of euphoriants, including on social media and from retail outlets such as kiosks. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard emphasized that opioids are among the most dangerous substances, posing greater risks than cocaine, and highlighted the need to convey this message to Danish youth. Currently, possession of fewer than 3000 opioid pills results in a fine, known as the ‘morphine trick,’ a policy the government seeks to change. Additionally, prison terms for selling euphoriants could be increased by one third, and vehicles used in drug trafficking could be confiscated. A budget of 19.5 million kroner is proposed for a new national competence center to improve treatment for substance abuse among children and youths. The government’s proposal also includes surveillance of sewage in major cities to monitor the scale of opioid misuse.