The Rise of Nitazenes: Chinese Suppliers Behind Ads for Deadly Opioids Targeting Europe

Bellingcat and Postimees conducted a months-long OSINT investigation uncovering 1,000+ online ads for nitazenes—extremely potent synthetic opioids—appearing across global marketplaces and social platforms, often tied to Chinese-registered companies (some sanctioned) using opaque structures and messaging apps to facilitate worldwide delivery. The report highlights Guangzhou Wanjiang Biotechnology’s active listings and verified ICP registration, links between seller identities and sanctioned entities, and multiple European customs seizures tracing shipments back to China, while noting rapidly rising nitazene-related deaths across Europe. Several platforms removed flagged listings following inquiries, but widespread availability persists, underscoring escalating public health risks and the ease of procurement.