Around 550,000 tablets of pregabalin, an anti-epileptic drug, have been confiscated in 2023 and 2024, according to La Libre on Friday.
Often referred to as the “poor man’s drug,” pregabalin is cheaper than substances like cocaine. Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said, “Investigations show that the price on the illegal market fluctuates between €1 and €5 per tablet, depending on whether it’s 150 or 300 mg.”
Branded as Lyrica, pregabalin is typically used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, or generalised anxiety disorder. However, the minister noted it is increasingly abused in combination with other sedatives such as alcohol, opioids, and other drugs to enhance euphoric effects.
Pregabalin seizures have surged recently, indicating a concerning trend. In 2020, only one seizure occurred with just 480 units confiscated; in 2021, there were two seizures amounting to 460 units, and none in 2022. However, in 2023, authorities carried out 12 seizures, confiscating approximately 372,716 units, followed by 51 seizures in 2024 totalling 180,394 units.
