Fake oxycodone pills kill at least 13 people in the Netherlands
At least 13 people have died in the Netherlands after taking counterfeit oxycodone pills purchased online, and dozens more have suffered severe poisoning, according to an investigation by Erasmus MC at the request of NOS.
The Dutch forensic institute confirmed the death of six people and four severe poisoning cases related to counterfeit drugs. It is suspected that six additional deaths may be linked to them, while at least 22 survivors required intensive treatment. Experts warn that the actual number may be higher.
Many victims obtained counterfeit pills from the online store Slaappillen.net. Tests showed that the pills contained nitazenes, a powerful synthetic opioid that can cause fatal overdoses. Two men associated with the site are facing drug trafficking charges, while the main suspects remain at large.
Corine Bethlem, a hospital pharmacist and toxicologist at Erasmus MC, explained that nitazenes were first discovered in October 2024 in the blood of one of the victims. Testing for this substance is conducted unevenly, with western Netherlands being better monitored compared to the eastern regions, leaving many cases undiscovered.
Family members of the victims, including the parents of a 29-year-old woman in Amsterdam, recounted how they found their loved ones dead after taking pills from Slaappillen.net. They hope that raising public awareness and law enforcement efforts will help prevent further tragedies.