Deadly flesh-eating “zombie” drug from US enters UK, leads to 11 deaths
The drug is believed to be contaminating a variety of illegal drugs in the UK, such as cocaine, fake painkillers, anxiety medication, and cannabis vaporizers
A dangerous drug that eats away at flesh and has been causing a health emergency in the US is now causing concern in the UK and has been linked to several deaths. This drug, used as tranquilizer to calm animals and now seen as a growing danger, creates intense wounds that could result in the loss of limbs and is deadly in high doses.
In the US, it’s often mixed with fentanyl to mimic the lasting effects of heroin. This mix has made its way to the UK, with 16 cases found, including 11 deaths, starting with a man named Karl Warburton. His death was the first in the UK and outside of North America due to this drug.
Widespread Drug Contamination
The drug is believed to be contaminating a variety of illegal drugs in the UK, such as cocaine, fake painkillers, anxiety medication, and cannabis vaporizers. There’s a push for better drug testing and more drug treatment options to stop a crisis like the one in the US.
The Biden administration has indicated that deaths from this drug have increased significantly in some areas. Along with the danger of other synthetic opioids linked to many deaths in the UK, there’s a call for immediate action against this growing health risk.
Dr. Caroline Copeland has expressed serious concerns, noting that before a death in 2022, only one UK lab was testing for this drug, suggesting that more testing is needed to understand its full impact.
US Deaths
In the US, this sedative, known as “tranq,” has been involved in many drug deaths, especially with heroin or fentanyl, as seen in Philadelphia.
Used by veterinarians, it can dangerously slow down the heart and breathing and cause flesh to rot when injected.
Dr. Copeland has warned that the drug can cause long-term skin damage that sometimes leads to amputation, and it’s being found in various illegal drugs in the UK, including cannabis vapes. Dr. Copeland urges for quick action to prevent a crisis, including better testing to spot tainted drugs. She suggests three steps the UK can take to stop a xylazine epidemic like in the US:
- Make cheap testing strips available
- Educate healthcare workers about the signs of skin damage from the drug
- Have pathologists and coroners test for the drug in relevant cases
The Rise of Synthetic Opioids
Research has shown that very strong synthetic opioids are entering the illegal drug market and have been found in UK prisons.
The National Crime Agency believes these drugs have caused many deaths in the UK, partly due to changes in traditional heroin supply after the Taliban banned opium production.
Dr. Adam Holland highlights the worrying appearance of xylazine and other strong synthetic drugs in the UK market. He calls for more harm reduction options, like drug checking and overdose prevention centers, to keep people safe.
Professor Sir John Strang emphasizes the need for ongoing research to guide public health responses to changes in the drug market.
A government spokesperson acknowledges the danger of xylazine and other synthetic drugs and is committed to public safety. They plan to classify xylazine as a class-C drug, which would mean severe penalties for those distributing it.
You might also be interested in : Pune, Delhi Cops expose big drug racket, seize Rs 3.5 crore mephedrone, three arrested
