Mr Trace told us that changes in drug markets can happen rapidly, and that if synthetic opioids became more prevalent in the UK, the strategy would need to adapt rapidly.35 Mr Lay told us that there had been a synthetic opioid (isonitazenes) outbreak in London in 2021 and that policing was undertaking significant work on this threat.36 The Home Office told us it was alive to the changing risks posed by illegal drugs and work was underway to prepare for this emergent threat. It has increased efforts at the border to prevent the importation of fentanyl or its ingredients and has set up a cross-government task force.37 Impacts of funding uncertainty