The Danish government is planning a comprehensive crackdown on the use and sale of opioids in Denmark, according to Berlingske.

The plan includes a ban on eight synthetic opioids, increased drug policing, tougher penalties for sales, and the development of more addiction and harm treatments.

The move comes after growing indications that opioids such as oxycondone and tramadol have become more prevalent on the Danish drug market. 

Minister of Health Sophie Løhde told Berlingske that, especially amongst young people, opioid pills are becoming more and more widespread.

The number of deaths due to suspected opioid poisoning in recent years has been around 124 to 134 per year, making up half of all drug-related deaths in Denmark.