A deadly flesh-eating drug, previously rampant in the United States, has now infiltrated the UK drugs market, claiming at least 11 lives so far. Xylazine, a potent animal tranquilizer, classified as an "emerging threat" by the White House, has surfaced in Britain, unleashing a wave of concern among health officials and experts. This drug induces excruciating necrotic sores, often leading to amputations, and its usage carries a high risk of fatal overdose.
The roots of this crisis extend back to the shores of America, where xylazine is commonly combined with fentanyl to intensify the euphoric highs sought by heroin users. However, its insidious spread across the Atlantic became evident after researchers identified the substance in 16 individuals in the UK, linked to 11 deaths.
The first casualty on British soil, 43-year-old Karl Warburton from Solihull, West Midlands, died of an overdose in May 2022.
Investigations by The Independent reveal that xylazine has permeated a wide array of illicit substances in the UK, including cocaine, counterfeit codeine, diazepam (Valium) tablets, and even THC cannabis vapes.
The emergence of this toxic agent has prompted urgent calls for enhanced testing protocols and increased investment in drug treatment initiatives to avert a potential public health catastrophe akin to the crisis witnessed in the US.
In the US, the drug is commonly referred to as "tranq" or "tranq dope." Its association with a significant proportion of drug-related deaths, particularly in regions like Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where it contributed to 31% of heroin or fentanyl overdose fatalities in 2019.
Used by veterinarians to tranquilize large animals, xylazine poses grave risks to human health, including dangerously lowered heart and respiratory rates, as well as the development of debilitating skin ulcers, often necessitating limb amputations.
This alarming revelation comes in the wake of escalating concerns over the proliferation of potent synthetic opioids, including nitazenes, which have claimed 100 lives in the UK.
Also read: Peddlers are digging up graves to make a 'zombie' drug using human bones in this country
In response to mounting concerns, the government has pledged decisive action, intending to reclassify xylazine as a class-C drug, carrying stringent penalties for supply.
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