A record number of new psychoactive drugs are becoming available across Europe, according to the EU drugs monitoring agency.
These drugs mimic the effects of cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine and are often referred to as 'legal highs' and sold in head shops and online.
41 new substances, including synthetic cannabinoids and derivatives of well-established drugs such as Ketamine and PCP were identified last year.
The agency says this is a considerable increase on previous years.
The European Police Agency Europol says the emergence of these 'legal highs' is a major feature of Europe's drugs problem today.
It says organised crime groups are increasingly active in producing and distributing drugs which can be associated with ecstasy.
More than 16 European countries including Ireland have banned so called 'spice' products and related compounds on health grounds
