Artificial intelligence has a plethora of use and one of the significant ways that it can serve humanity is by lending a helping hand in discovering treatments for various kinds of diseases. In a positive development, a group of scientists have&nbsp;discovered a new antibiotic that can kill a deadly superbug. How? With the use of AI.&nbsp;

The scientists involved in the research are from McMaster University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as per a new study published Thursday in the science journal Nature Chemical Biology, reported Guardian.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/more-than-5000-new-species-discovered-in-planned-mining-zone-of-pacific-ocean-596583">More than 5,000 new species discovered on seabed of Pacific Ocean</a>

The superbug is Acinetobacter baumannii. According to the World Health Organization, this is a multidrug-resistant bacteria that poses a particular threat in hospitals, and among patients whose care requires devices such as ventilators and blood catheters.

The global health organisation has listed it under the most critical group and among priority pathogens listed for research and development of new antibiotics. WHO says that Acinetobacter can cause severe and often deadly infections such as bloodstream infections and pneumonia.

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"These bacteria have built-in abilities to find new ways to resist treatment and can pass along genetic material that allows other bacteria to become drug-resistant as well," said WHO.&nbsp;

<h2>Acinetobacter baumannii ways of transmission</h2>

Acinetobacter baumannii poses a significant risk to patients who have open surgery wounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Acinetobacter, which is a group of bacteria (germs), are commonly found in the environment, like in soil and water.&nbsp;

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CDC suggests that Acinetobacter baumannii can cause infections in the blood, urinary tract, and lungs (pneumonia), or in wounds in other parts of the body. It can also “colonize” or live in a patient without causing infections or symptoms, especially in respiratory secretions (sputum) or open wounds.

<h2>New antibacterial chemical discovered using AI</h2>

As per the Thursday study, scientists screened hundreds of antibacterial compounds using an AI system in an effort to identify new structural classes. Researchers discovered a brand-new antibacterial chemical they called abaucin as a result of the AI screening.

A graduate student from MacMaster University who worked on the research, Gary Liu said, “We had a whole bunch of data that was just telling us about which chemicals were able to kill a bunch of bacteria and which ones weren’t. My job was to train this model, and all that this model was going to be doing is telling us essentially if new molecules will have antibacterial properties or not."&nbsp;

“Then basically through that, we’re able to just increase the efficiency of the drug discovery pipeline and … hone in all the molecules that we really want to care about,” he added.

The AI model was then utilised to inspect 6,680 compounds which were not known earlier. The entire AI research took an hour and a half which resulted in producing 240 compounds. Later, these compounds were tested in a laboratory which finally revealed antibiotic abaucin, which was amoing the nine potential antibiotics discovered with the help of the AI model.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>New antibiotic treated infection&nbsp;</h2>

The newly discovered molecule was then put to test against A baumannii in a wound infection model in mice. It was found out that the new molecule effectively suppressed the infection. “This work validates the benefits of machine learning in the search for new antibiotics” said Jonathan Stokes, an assistant professor at McMaster University’s department of biomedicine and biochemistry who helped lead the study.

“Using AI, we can rapidly explore vast regions of chemical space, significantly increasing the chances of discovering fundamentally new antibacterial molecules,” he said adding, “We know broad-spectrum antibiotics are suboptimal and that pathogens have the ability to evolve and adjust to every trick we throw at them … AI methods afford us the opportunity to vastly increase the rate at which we discover new antibiotics, and we can do it at a reduced cost. This is an important avenue of exploration for new antibiotic drugs."&nbsp;

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Artificial intelligence has a plethora of use and one of the significant ways that it can serve humanity is by lending a helping hand in discovering treatments for various kinds of diseases.

Artificial intelligence has a plethora of use and one of the significant ways that it can serve humanity is by lending a helping hand in discovering treatments for various kinds of diseases. In a positive development, a group of scientists have discovered a new antibiotic that can kill a deadly superbug. How? With the use of AI. The scientists involved in the research are from McMaster University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as per a new study published Thursday in the science journal Nature Chemical Biology, reported Guardian. Also Read | More than 5,000 new species discovered on seabed of Pacific Ocean The superbug is Acinetobacter baumannii. According to the World Health Organization, this is a multidrug-resistant bacteria that poses a particular threat in hospitals, and among patients whose care requires devices such as ventilators and blood catheters. The global health organisation has listed it under the most critical group and among priority pathogens listed for research and development of new antibiotics. WHO says that Acinetobacter can cause severe and often deadly infections such as bloodstream infections and pneumonia. Also Read | Elon Musk's Neuralink cleared for human test of brain implants "These bacteria have built-in abilities to find new ways to resist treatment and can pass along genetic material that allows other bacteria to become drug-resistant as well," said WHO. Acinetobacter baumannii ways of transmission Acinetobacter baumannii poses a significant risk to patients who have open surgery wounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Acinetobacter, which is a group of bacteria (germs), are commonly found in the environment, like in soil and water. Watch | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle × CDC suggests that Acinetobacter baumannii can cause infections in the blood, urinary tract, and lungs (pneumonia), or in wounds in other parts of the body. It can also “colonize” or live in a patient without causing infections or symptoms, especially in respiratory secretions (sputum) or open wounds. New antibacterial chemical discovered using AI As per the Thursday study, scientists screened hundreds of antibacterial compounds using an AI system in an effort to identify new structural classes. Researchers discovered a brand-new antibacterial chemical they called abaucin as a result of the AI screening. A graduate student from MacMaster University who worked on the research, Gary Liu said, “We had a whole bunch of data that was just telling us about which chemicals were able to kill a bunch of bacteria and which ones weren’t. My job was to train this model, and all that this model was going to be doing is telling us essentially if new molecules will have antibacterial properties or not." “Then basically through that, we’re able to just increase the efficiency of the drug discovery pipeline and … hone in all the molecules that we really want to care about,” he added. The AI model was then utilised to inspect 6,680 compounds which were not known earlier. The entire AI research took an hour and a half which resulted in producing 240 compounds. Later, these compounds were tested in a laboratory which finally revealed antibiotic abaucin, which was amoing the nine potential antibiotics discovered with the help of the AI model. New antibiotic treated infection The newly discovered molecule was then put to test against A baumannii in a wound infection model in mice. It was found out that the new molecule effectively suppressed the infection. “This work validates the benefits of machine learning in the search for new antibiotics” said Jonathan Stokes, an assistant professor at McMaster University’s department of biomedicine and biochemistry who helped lead the study. “Using AI, we can rapidly explore vast regions of chemical space, significantly increasing the chances of discovering fundamentally new antibacterial molecules,” he said adding, “We know broad-spectrum antibiotics are suboptimal and that pathogens have the ability to evolve and adjust to every trick we throw at them … AI methods afford us the opportunity to vastly increase the rate at which we discover new antibiotics, and we can do it at a reduced cost. This is an important avenue of exploration for new antibiotic drugs." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

AI discovers new antibiotic that can kill deadly hospital superbug

Leading doctors have reportedly developed a medicine that prevents hot flashes by acting directly on the brain could transform treatments for the problem&nbsp;that a lot of women face during menopause. Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.

Hot flashes are a common symptom experienced by many women during menopause and are characterised by a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads across the body, often accompanied by sweating, flushing of the skin, and an increased heart rate. They can occur during the day or at night, disrupting sleep and causing discomfort.

It is related to hormonal changes that occur during menopause, causing&nbsp;a decrease in estrogen levels and is thought to affect the hypothalamus in the brain. Hypothalamus&nbsp;is responsible for regulating body temperature and an effect on it leads to a misinterpretation of the body's temperature and triggers hot flashes.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-ireland-council-elections-2023-sinn-fein-becomes-largest-party-in-local-government-594612">Northern Ireland council elections 2023: Sinn Fein becomes largest party in local government</a>

Experts claimed the medication fezolinetant might be revolutionary for the hundreds of thousands of women in the UK who cannot take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the US approved the first non-hormonal menopause pill, produced by Astellas Pharma. The medication received a licence in the US on May 12 and may receive approval for usage in the UK by year's end.

“This is going to be a completely blockbuster drug,” said an endocrinologist at Imperial College London, Prof Waljit Dhillo. He led a trial in 2017 that led to the development of the medication.

“It’s like a switch. Within a day or two the flushes go away. It’s unbelievable how well these drugs work. It’s going to be completely game-changing for a lot of women.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-streamlines-marriage-registration-process-for-migrant-workers-amid-looming-population-crisis-594576">China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis</a>

The medication, which is being evaluated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), blocks neurokinin-3, a brain protein that has a special function in menopausal women's body temperature regulation.

After 12 weeks of usage, fezolinetant decreased the incidence of hot flushes in women with moderate or severe symptoms by around 60 per cent, according to a major clinical trial that was published in March, compared to a 45 per cent&nbsp;reduction in those who got a placebo. Women also reported that the medication increased the quality of their sleep and lessened the severity of their hot flashes.

“What’s really amazing about these drugs is how quickly they work and how big an effect they have,” said Prof Richard Anderson, a co-director of the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh.

“Typically, estrogen takes several weeks to have an effect. With these, women are reporting effects from the first tablet.”

Hot flashes disrupt everyday life in about 70 per cent&nbsp;of menopausal women and are described as "near intolerable" by 10 to 20 per cent&nbsp;of them.&nbsp;

Nearly two&nbsp;million women in England received at least one HRT prescription each year, however, these treatments are not recommended for anyone with untreated high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, breast or ovarian cancer, or blood clots.&nbsp;

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They are the result of years of careful study by US neuropathologist Prof. Naomi Rance, who pinpointed a particular set of neurons that expand in menopausal women's brains. Rance revealed that these neurons emit the protein neurokinin-B, which may cause hot flashes by detecting minute temperature fluctuations in the tails of rats.

“I realised that understanding the brain circuitry controlling hot flushes could be useful for designing new treatments, but I never imagined that it would happen during my life,” said Rance, of the University of Arizona. “I was thrilled to learn about the FDA approval, in part because it illustrates how basic science research can lead to clinical applications.”

Rance's finding led to a study at Imperial College London, directed by Dhillo, which showed that a substance related to fezolinetant was particularly successful at preventing hot flashes in females.

“From our grant being awarded by NIHR [the National Institute for Health and Care Research] and MRC [the Medical Research Council], within two years we could show it had a 73 per cent&nbsp;reduction in hot flashes – that wouldn’t have happened without taxpayers’ funding of medical research,” Dhillo said adding, "Since doing our studies, we’ve had women all over the world writing to us saying: ‘How can I get this drug?’”

“There’s been this attitude that obesity kills, heart disease kills, diabetes kills, women’s health doesn’t kill. We can’t be in Western society and say 51 per cent&nbsp;of the population’s problems – if they don’t kill them immediately – aren’t important," he added.&nbsp;

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Leading doctors have reportedly developed a medicine that prevents hot flashes by acting directly on the brain could transform treatments for the problem that a lot of women face during menopause.

Leading doctors have reportedly developed a medicine that prevents hot flashes by acting directly on the brain could transform treatments for the problem that a lot of women face during menopause. Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. Hot flashes are a common symptom experienced by many women during menopause and are characterised by a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads across the body, often accompanied by sweating, flushing of the skin, and an increased heart rate. They can occur during the day or at night, disrupting sleep and causing discomfort. It is related to hormonal changes that occur during menopause, causing a decrease in estrogen levels and is thought to affect the hypothalamus in the brain. Hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body temperature and an effect on it leads to a misinterpretation of the body's temperature and triggers hot flashes. Also Read | Northern Ireland council elections 2023: Sinn Fein becomes largest party in local government Experts claimed the medication fezolinetant might be revolutionary for the hundreds of thousands of women in the UK who cannot take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the US approved the first non-hormonal menopause pill, produced by Astellas Pharma. The medication received a licence in the US on May 12 and may receive approval for usage in the UK by year's end. “This is going to be a completely blockbuster drug,” said an endocrinologist at Imperial College London, Prof Waljit Dhillo. He led a trial in 2017 that led to the development of the medication. “It’s like a switch. Within a day or two the flushes go away. It’s unbelievable how well these drugs work. It’s going to be completely game-changing for a lot of women.” Also Read | China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis The medication, which is being evaluated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), blocks neurokinin-3, a brain protein that has a special function in menopausal women's body temperature regulation. After 12 weeks of usage, fezolinetant decreased the incidence of hot flushes in women with moderate or severe symptoms by around 60 per cent, according to a major clinical trial that was published in March, compared to a 45 per cent reduction in those who got a placebo. Women also reported that the medication increased the quality of their sleep and lessened the severity of their hot flashes. “What’s really amazing about these drugs is how quickly they work and how big an effect they have,” said Prof Richard Anderson, a co-director of the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh. “Typically, estrogen takes several weeks to have an effect. With these, women are reporting effects from the first tablet.” Hot flashes disrupt everyday life in about 70 per cent of menopausal women and are described as "near intolerable" by 10 to 20 per cent of them. Nearly two million women in England received at least one HRT prescription each year, however, these treatments are not recommended for anyone with untreated high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, breast or ovarian cancer, or blood clots. Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit × They are the result of years of careful study by US neuropathologist Prof. Naomi Rance, who pinpointed a particular set of neurons that expand in menopausal women's brains. Rance revealed that these neurons emit the protein neurokinin-B, which may cause hot flashes by detecting minute temperature fluctuations in the tails of rats. “I realised that understanding the brain circuitry controlling hot flushes could be useful for designing new treatments, but I never imagined that it would happen during my life,” said Rance, of the University of Arizona. “I was thrilled to learn about the FDA approval, in part because it illustrates how basic science research can lead to clinical applications.” Rance's finding led to a study at Imperial College London, directed by Dhillo, which showed that a substance related to fezolinetant was particularly successful at preventing hot flashes in females. “From our grant being awarded by NIHR [the National Institute for Health and Care Research] and MRC [the Medical Research Council], within two years we could show it had a 73 per cent reduction in hot flashes – that wouldn’t have happened without taxpayers’ funding of medical research,” Dhillo said adding, "Since doing our studies, we’ve had women all over the world writing to us saying: ‘How can I get this drug?’” “There’s been this attitude that obesity kills, heart disease kills, diabetes kills, women’s health doesn’t kill. We can’t be in Western society and say 51 per cent of the population’s problems – if they don’t kill them immediately – aren’t important," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

New brain-based medicine fezolinetant to cure hot flashes during menopause

Singapore on Wednesday hanged a man for trafficking drugs, said the authorities, marking its second execution in three weeks.&nbsp;

The alleged accused was convicted in 2019 of trafficking around 1.5 kilos (3.3 pounds) of cannabis, Kokila Annamalai of local rights group Transformative Justice Collective told news agency AFP.

Singapore has one of the toughest anti-narcotics laws and as per the law, trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis can result in the death penalty.

"A 36-year-old Singaporean man had his capital sentence carried out today at Changi Prison Complex," a spokesman for the city-state's prison service told AFP.

Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) released a statement saying that it would not reveal the name of the man in order to respect his family's wish for privacy.

"The person was accorded full due process under the law, and had access to legal counsel throughout the process," CNB added.

"A last-ditch appeal to review the case and stay his execution was dismissed on Tuesday", Annamalai said.

Despite growing calls for the city-state to abolish the death penalty and halt drug-related executions, Singapore presses that it is an effective impediment against trafficking.

<h2>Singapore executes Indian-origin man for conspiring to traffic cannabis</h2>

Earlier, on April 26,&nbsp;Singapore executed an Indian-origin man, who was convicted of conspiring to traffic one kilogramme of cannabis. The decision to hang him was taken despite pleas for clemency from his family, activists and also the United Nations.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the Singapore Prison Service told the news agency AFP that the "Singaporean Tangaraju Suppiah, 46, had his capital sentence carried out today at Changi Prison Complex."&nbsp;

Reuters reported that Kokila Annamalai, who is a Singapore-based rights activist representing the family, confirmed that Suppiah had been executed by hanging. It also mentioned that the president had rejected pleas for clemency on the eve of the execution.&nbsp;

The United Nations Human Rights Office for Singapore had urged the authorities to "urgently reconsider" the decision of hanging, and British tycoon Richard Branson also asked to halt it.

Branson, who is a member of the Geneva-based Global Commission on Drug Policy, wrote a blog earlier this week about Tangaraju. He mentioned that the Singaporean man was "not anywhere near" the drugs at the time of his arrest and that Singapore may be about to put an innocent man to death.&nbsp;

He was convicted in 2017 of "abetting by engaging in a conspiracy to traffic" 1,017.9 grammes of cannabis. The quantity was twice the minimum volume required for a death sentence in Singapore. In 2018, Tangaraju was sentenced to death and the Court of Appeal upheld the decision.&nbsp;

<h2>Activists to push for Singapore to abolish death penalty</h2>

Activists said they will keep making efforts to push for Singapore to abrogate capital punishment as it has not proven any deterrent effect on crime.

"The call to the Singapore government (to scrap the death penalty) has been loud and clear globally, and we will repeat the call: Singapore has to halt the executions," Amnesty International's executive director for Malaysia Katrina Jorene Maliamauv told reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

"They have to commute all existing death sentences."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Singapore on Wednesday hanged a man for trafficking drugs, said the authorities, marking its second execution in three weeks. The alleged accused was convicted in 2019 of trafficking around 1.

Singapore on Wednesday hanged a man for trafficking drugs, said the authorities, marking its second execution in three weeks. The alleged accused was convicted in 2019 of trafficking around 1.5 kilos (3.3 pounds) of cannabis, Kokila Annamalai of local rights group Transformative Justice Collective told news agency AFP. Singapore has one of the toughest anti-narcotics laws and as per the law, trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis can result in the death penalty. "A 36-year-old Singaporean man had his capital sentence carried out today at Changi Prison Complex," a spokesman for the city-state's prison service told AFP. Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) released a statement saying that it would not reveal the name of the man in order to respect his family's wish for privacy. "The person was accorded full due process under the law, and had access to legal counsel throughout the process," CNB added. "A last-ditch appeal to review the case and stay his execution was dismissed on Tuesday", Annamalai said. Despite growing calls for the city-state to abolish the death penalty and halt drug-related executions, Singapore presses that it is an effective impediment against trafficking. Singapore executes Indian-origin man for conspiring to traffic cannabis Earlier, on April 26, Singapore executed an Indian-origin man, who was convicted of conspiring to traffic one kilogramme of cannabis. The decision to hang him was taken despite pleas for clemency from his family, activists and also the United Nations. A spokesman for the Singapore Prison Service told the news agency AFP that the "Singaporean Tangaraju Suppiah, 46, had his capital sentence carried out today at Changi Prison Complex." Reuters reported that Kokila Annamalai, who is a Singapore-based rights activist representing the family, confirmed that Suppiah had been executed by hanging. It also mentioned that the president had rejected pleas for clemency on the eve of the execution. The United Nations Human Rights Office for Singapore had urged the authorities to "urgently reconsider" the decision of hanging, and British tycoon Richard Branson also asked to halt it. Branson, who is a member of the Geneva-based Global Commission on Drug Policy, wrote a blog earlier this week about Tangaraju. He mentioned that the Singaporean man was "not anywhere near" the drugs at the time of his arrest and that Singapore may be about to put an innocent man to death. He was convicted in 2017 of "abetting by engaging in a conspiracy to traffic" 1,017.9 grammes of cannabis. The quantity was twice the minimum volume required for a death sentence in Singapore. In 2018, Tangaraju was sentenced to death and the Court of Appeal upheld the decision. Activists to push for Singapore to abolish death penalty Activists said they will keep making efforts to push for Singapore to abrogate capital punishment as it has not proven any deterrent effect on crime. "The call to the Singapore government (to scrap the death penalty) has been loud and clear globally, and we will repeat the call: Singapore has to halt the executions," Amnesty International's executive director for Malaysia Katrina Jorene Maliamauv told reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. "They have to commute all existing death sentences." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Singapore executes second citizen in three weeks for trafficking drugs

In India's largest drug bust so far, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confiscated approximately 2,500 kg of high-purity methamphetamine or crystal meth worth around 12,000 crore rupees (approx $1.45 billion) from the southern Kerala coast and detained a suspected Pakistani national,&nbsp;the anti-drug agency said on Saturday.

The retrieved bags, the suspected Pakistani national, the speed boat, and some other goods seized from the "mother ship" were taken at Mattancherry Wharf in Kochi and given to NCB for further action.

This major operation was conducted jointly by the Indian Navy and the NCB officials. The Indian authorities were alerted after receiving a tip-off, which led to the identification of a vessel that was intercepted by the Indian Navy.&nbsp;

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The suspected Pakistani was apprehended during the "Operation Samudragupt". The NCB has now made three big drug trafficking-related seizures in the last 18 months, all involving the southern route.&nbsp;

Operation Samudragupt was launched in January 2022 to combat maritime trafficking of heroin and other drugs in the Indian Ocean region. Launched by NCB director general Satya Narayan Pradhan, Operation Samudragupt is headed by Sanjay Kumar Singh, deputy director general (Ops).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-scorching-may-heat-to-affect-tens-of-millions-592150">India's scorching temperatures to turn the heat heat for tens of millions</a>

According to a senior officer, ongoing intelligence gathering and analysis allowed for the identification of a very likely path that the mother ship would travel in order to distribute contraband.

The Indian Navy received the information, and a ship of the Indian Navy was stationed nearby.

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"A total of 134 sacks of suspected methamphetamine was recovered from the ship and one person [who] is suspected to be a Pakistani national was detained, who was on a speed boat and contraband was loaded on it," said an official.

There have been several recent drug busts in India related to crystal methamphetamine, also known as "ice".

In one major seizure in January 2022, the NCB and the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a vessel off the coast of Gujarat and seized approximately 300 kg of crystal meth. In another significant bust, the NCB earlier seized over 300 kg of crystal meth in Hyderabad and arrested several individuals. Authorities in India have been working to crack down on the trade and use of the drug through increased enforcement and awareness campaigns.

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&nbsp;

In India's largest drug bust so far, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confiscated approximately 2,500 kg of high-purity methamphetamine or crystal meth worth around 12,000 crore rupees (approx $1.

In India's largest drug bust so far, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confiscated approximately 2,500 kg of high-purity methamphetamine or crystal meth worth around 12,000 crore rupees (approx $1.45 billion) from the southern Kerala coast and detained a suspected Pakistani national, the anti-drug agency said on Saturday. The retrieved bags, the suspected Pakistani national, the speed boat, and some other goods seized from the "mother ship" were taken at Mattancherry Wharf in Kochi and given to NCB for further action. This major operation was conducted jointly by the Indian Navy and the NCB officials. The Indian authorities were alerted after receiving a tip-off, which led to the identification of a vessel that was intercepted by the Indian Navy. Also Read | Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power? The suspected Pakistani was apprehended during the "Operation Samudragupt". The NCB has now made three big drug trafficking-related seizures in the last 18 months, all involving the southern route. Operation Samudragupt was launched in January 2022 to combat maritime trafficking of heroin and other drugs in the Indian Ocean region. Launched by NCB director general Satya Narayan Pradhan, Operation Samudragupt is headed by Sanjay Kumar Singh, deputy director general (Ops). Also Read | India's scorching temperatures to turn the heat heat for tens of millions According to a senior officer, ongoing intelligence gathering and analysis allowed for the identification of a very likely path that the mother ship would travel in order to distribute contraband. The Indian Navy received the information, and a ship of the Indian Navy was stationed nearby. Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents × "A total of 134 sacks of suspected methamphetamine was recovered from the ship and one person [who] is suspected to be a Pakistani national was detained, who was on a speed boat and contraband was loaded on it," said an official. There have been several recent drug busts in India related to crystal methamphetamine, also known as "ice". In one major seizure in January 2022, the NCB and the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a vessel off the coast of Gujarat and seized approximately 300 kg of crystal meth. In another significant bust, the NCB earlier seized over 300 kg of crystal meth in Hyderabad and arrested several individuals. Authorities in India have been working to crack down on the trade and use of the drug through increased enforcement and awareness campaigns. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held

A new weight-loss drug is in town. This drug could possibly be a game changer. Would you try this new weight-loss medicine? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Miracle drug for weight loss?

A drug bust in Auckland, New Zealand has led to the arrest of Baltej Singh, a relative of Satwant Singh, one of the assassins who killed&nbsp;former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. The drug bust followed a raid on a property in Manukau, which uncovered substantial amounts of methamphetamine hidden in beer cans. The subsequent investigation led authorities to Baltej Singh, who has been hailed in the local community for his family connection to Satwant Singh.

Satwant Singh and his fellow bodyguard, Beant Singh, had assassinated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star in 1984. Satwant Singh's brother and his family had relocated to New Zealand in the 1980s and were running a small grocery shop in Auckland. However, a sudden increase in their wealth was noticed in recent months. Baltej Singh's father became the proprietor of a real estate firm named Ray White and even purchased a house valued at more than USD 12,218,0 (INR&nbsp;100 crore).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-kiwis-warned-to-avoid-meth-laced-honey-bear-house-beer-cans-578717">New Zealand: Kiwis warned to avoid meth-laced 'Honey Bear House Beer' cans</a>

Baltej Singh is known to be one of the primary masterminds and fund-raisers for anti-India and pro-Khalistan demonstrations organised in New Zealand. Baltej is currently imprisoned and undergoing trial on charges of drug peddling. This incident has once again brought to the fore the criminal background and dubious motivations of pro-Khalistan activists and demonstrators.

In the past few weeks, pro-Khalistani activists have staged protests in countries like the UK, the US and Canada. In the UK, they vandalised the Indian mission in London, a move which was condemned by the British government at the highest level, including by UK PM Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. 
 
&nbsp;

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A drug bust in Auckland, New Zealand has led to the arrest of Baltej Singh, a relative of Satwant Singh, one of the assassins who killed former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.

A drug bust in Auckland, New Zealand has led to the arrest of Baltej Singh, a relative of Satwant Singh, one of the assassins who killed former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. The drug bust followed a raid on a property in Manukau, which uncovered substantial amounts of methamphetamine hidden in beer cans. The subsequent investigation led authorities to Baltej Singh, who has been hailed in the local community for his family connection to Satwant Singh. Satwant Singh and his fellow bodyguard, Beant Singh, had assassinated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star in 1984. Satwant Singh's brother and his family had relocated to New Zealand in the 1980s and were running a small grocery shop in Auckland. However, a sudden increase in their wealth was noticed in recent months. Baltej Singh's father became the proprietor of a real estate firm named Ray White and even purchased a house valued at more than USD 12,218,0 (INR 100 crore). Also read | New Zealand: Kiwis warned to avoid meth-laced 'Honey Bear House Beer' cans Baltej Singh is known to be one of the primary masterminds and fund-raisers for anti-India and pro-Khalistan demonstrations organised in New Zealand. Baltej is currently imprisoned and undergoing trial on charges of drug peddling. This incident has once again brought to the fore the criminal background and dubious motivations of pro-Khalistan activists and demonstrators. In the past few weeks, pro-Khalistani activists have staged protests in countries like the UK, the US and Canada. In the UK, they vandalised the Indian mission in London, a move which was condemned by the British government at the highest level, including by UK PM Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Relative of Indira Gandhi’s killer arrested in New Zealand for drug peddling

A hippo belonging to the private collection of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar died in Colombia after being struck by a car, according to a statement from local authorities, reported CNN. The incident took place on a route between Medelln city and the Colombian capital Bogota on Tuesday night. While the hippo died on the spot, the driver of the car was sent for medical assistance by emergency personnel.

As per officials “situations like these reaffirm that the presence of hippos in the region is an environmental and social problem, which requires inter-institutional articulation to search for comprehensive, in-depth, and timely solutions.”

Escobar illegally imported hippos into Colombia in the 1980s as part of his collection of exotic animals at his ranch, which was located around 250 kilometres (155 miles) outside of Medelln.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-michigan-researchers-find-shipwrecks-from-1914-in-lake-superior-582273">US: Michigan Researchers find shipwrecks from 1914 in Lake Superior</a>

After Escobar's death in 1993, most of the animals in his zoo were relocated, but the hippos were left behind, as they were too heavy to be transported. Over time, the hippos multiplied and escaped into nearby rivers and lakes, creating a feral population that has continued to grow.

The current hippo population in Colombia is between 130 and 160. While some locals have come to see the hippos as a tourist attraction, they also pose a threat to the local ecosystem and have been responsible for attacks on humans.&nbsp;

The Colombian government has struggled to manage the population, with some proposals to cull the animals being met with controversy.

Anbal Gaviria, the governor of Antioquia, requested the federal government on Wednesday to relocate the hippos to sanctuaries in India and Mexico. At least 70 hippopotamuses which are currently living in the Hacienda Napoles ranch, located 200 km from Bogota along the Magdalena River, are being mulled to be sent to India and Mexico.&nbsp;

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Officials from Mexico and India have not yet commented on this. It is suggested that 60 of the 70 hippos be sent to India's Greens Zoological Rescue &amp; Rehabilitation Kingdom in Gujarat state. Ten more hippos would travel to Mexican zoos and sanctuaries like the Ostok in Sinaloa.

Instead of sending the hippos inside the ranch, the intention is to send the ones that surround the Hacienda Napoles ranch. The ones living inside the ranch, according to officials, are in a controlled setting and pose no damage to the nearby ecology.

Research has shown that hippos pose a hazard to agricultural and public safety. As per studies, their faeces affects water oxygen levels, which can lower water quality and result in widespread fish fatalities.&nbsp;Recently, hippos have been designated an 'invasive species' in Colombia.

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A hippo belonging to the private collection of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar died in Colombia after being struck by a car, according to a statement from local authorities, reported CNN.

A hippo belonging to the private collection of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar died in Colombia after being struck by a car, according to a statement from local authorities, reported CNN. The incident took place on a route between Medelln city and the Colombian capital Bogota on Tuesday night. While the hippo died on the spot, the driver of the car was sent for medical assistance by emergency personnel. As per officials “situations like these reaffirm that the presence of hippos in the region is an environmental and social problem, which requires inter-institutional articulation to search for comprehensive, in-depth, and timely solutions.” Escobar illegally imported hippos into Colombia in the 1980s as part of his collection of exotic animals at his ranch, which was located around 250 kilometres (155 miles) outside of Medelln. Also Read | US: Michigan Researchers find shipwrecks from 1914 in Lake Superior After Escobar's death in 1993, most of the animals in his zoo were relocated, but the hippos were left behind, as they were too heavy to be transported. Over time, the hippos multiplied and escaped into nearby rivers and lakes, creating a feral population that has continued to grow. The current hippo population in Colombia is between 130 and 160. While some locals have come to see the hippos as a tourist attraction, they also pose a threat to the local ecosystem and have been responsible for attacks on humans. The Colombian government has struggled to manage the population, with some proposals to cull the animals being met with controversy. Anbal Gaviria, the governor of Antioquia, requested the federal government on Wednesday to relocate the hippos to sanctuaries in India and Mexico. At least 70 hippopotamuses which are currently living in the Hacienda Napoles ranch, located 200 km from Bogota along the Magdalena River, are being mulled to be sent to India and Mexico. Watch | Joe Biden addresses Irish parliament, says he 'feels at home' × Officials from Mexico and India have not yet commented on this. It is suggested that 60 of the 70 hippos be sent to India's Greens Zoological Rescue & Rehabilitation Kingdom in Gujarat state. Ten more hippos would travel to Mexican zoos and sanctuaries like the Ostok in Sinaloa. Instead of sending the hippos inside the ranch, the intention is to send the ones that surround the Hacienda Napoles ranch. The ones living inside the ranch, according to officials, are in a controlled setting and pose no damage to the nearby ecology. Research has shown that hippos pose a hazard to agricultural and public safety. As per studies, their faeces affects water oxygen levels, which can lower water quality and result in widespread fish fatalities. Recently, hippos have been designated an 'invasive species' in Colombia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

One of Pablo Escobar's ‘cocaine hippos’ gets struck by car, dies

The United States for the first time, has designated xylazine, a drug, as an "emerging threat". The drug is commonly known as 'tranq'. The US government has asked the Congress for funding in order to fight the drug that is increasingly being linked to surge in overdose deaths.

"This is the first time in our nation's history that a substance is being designated as an emerging threat by any administration," said Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer and it is used by vets to sedate large animals such as deer and horses.

Though not approved for use in humans, xylazine is mixed with fentanyl, cocaine or heroin and known by street name 'tranq', as per US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Xylazine consumption can result in lowered blood pressure and critically low levels of heart rate. It can also cause skin ulcers and abscesses. This may further lead to amputation.

Gupta said the federal government will publish a plan within 90 days on ways to combat the overdose scourge caused by xylazine, also known as the "zombie drug."

The plan would look at increasing testing capacity, withdrawal management, treatment protocols and attacking the supply chain of illicit xylazine, he said.

"President Biden remains committed to beating the overdose crisis," Gupta said. "We need support from Congress for this and we'll continue to work with members of both parties on this urgent issue."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States for the first time, has designated xylazine, a drug, as an "emerging threat". The drug is commonly known as 'tranq'. The US government has asked the Congress for funding in order to fight the drug that is increasingly being linked to surge in overdose deaths.

The United States for the first time, has designated xylazine, a drug, as an "emerging threat". The drug is commonly known as 'tranq'. The US government has asked the Congress for funding in order to fight the drug that is increasingly being linked to surge in overdose deaths. "This is the first time in our nation's history that a substance is being designated as an emerging threat by any administration," said Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer and it is used by vets to sedate large animals such as deer and horses. Though not approved for use in humans, xylazine is mixed with fentanyl, cocaine or heroin and known by street name 'tranq', as per US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Xylazine consumption can result in lowered blood pressure and critically low levels of heart rate. It can also cause skin ulcers and abscesses. This may further lead to amputation. Gupta said the federal government will publish a plan within 90 days on ways to combat the overdose scourge caused by xylazine, also known as the "zombie drug." The plan would look at increasing testing capacity, withdrawal management, treatment protocols and attacking the supply chain of illicit xylazine, he said. "President Biden remains committed to beating the overdose crisis," Gupta said. "We need support from Congress for this and we'll continue to work with members of both parties on this urgent issue." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US labels a drug as 'emerging threat' for the first time

A conman trying to outsmart authorities with the help of cosmetic surgery is an age-old thing. A similar kind of incident occurred when a Thai drug dealer underwent several facial plastic surgeries to look like a handsome Korean man.&nbsp;

According to the local authorities, the man, Saharat Sawangjaeng, was trying to hide his true identity by using an alias Seong Jimin, a Korean name. However, to his bad luck, he could no longer dupe the authorities as he was caught last week at a condominium in Bangkok.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-stargazers-awestruck-as-captivating-northern-lights-gleam-across-scotland-ireland-and-england-566411">Stargazers awestruck as captivating Northern Lights gleam across Scotland, Ireland and England</a>

Saharat has been charged with the illegal import of narcotics, which included ordering 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). As per National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), MDMA, which is more commonly called Ecstasy or Molly, is a synthetic medicine that alters mood and perception and is popularly used in the nightclub scene and at all-night dance parties, the "raves."&nbsp;

The police have been on the lookout for Saharat, 25, for the past three months. It said that with plastic surgery, the man was able to get a complete remake of his original face. "None of his original face was left," the police said in a statement.&nbsp;

Several of the witnesses in the case said that the Saharat looked like a handsome Korean man. Upon his arrest, the man revealed that he wanted "to start a new life." He added, "I am bored of Thailand."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-drone-attack-by-belarusian-partisans-damages-russian-military-aircraft-near-minsk-566237">Suspected drone attack by Belarusian partisans damages Russian military aircraft near Minsk</a>

The police were able to spot his location and arrest him on the basis of the MDMA sale he made to different sellers and buyers in Bangkok. This is not the first instance when Saharat has been arrested. The man was inside previously in jail for the past three times, one time on an assault charge. At the time, the police found 290 ecstasy pills and 2kg (4.4lb) of narcotics in liquid form in his possession.&nbsp;

However, the fraudster was able to escape detention and later, to hide his identity and evade further arrest, he underwent heavy surgical procedures.&nbsp;His arrest by the Thai police seems to be very significant as major-general Theeradej Thammasutee reportedly termed him "one of the main causes of Bangkok's MDMA epidemic."&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trending-on-wion-couple-gives-birth-to-momo-twins-566290">Trending on WION: Couple gives birth to 'momo' twins</a>

"He is a drug lord importing MDMA from Europe at just 25 years old. We believe there are more suspects in foreign countries. We will continue our investigation," Thammasutee said.

Further linkages into the complete narcotics nexus have not been unearthed as of now as Saharat said that he is unaware of the identity of the people he dealt with. But he did confirm to the police that most of the imported narcotics were from the Netherlands.&nbsp;

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A conman trying to outsmart authorities with the help of cosmetic surgery is an age-old thing. A similar kind of incident occurred when a Thai drug dealer underwent several facial plastic surgeries to look like a handsome Korean man.

A conman trying to outsmart authorities with the help of cosmetic surgery is an age-old thing. A similar kind of incident occurred when a Thai drug dealer underwent several facial plastic surgeries to look like a handsome Korean man. According to the local authorities, the man, Saharat Sawangjaeng, was trying to hide his true identity by using an alias Seong Jimin, a Korean name. However, to his bad luck, he could no longer dupe the authorities as he was caught last week at a condominium in Bangkok. Also Read | Stargazers awestruck as captivating Northern Lights gleam across Scotland, Ireland and England Saharat has been charged with the illegal import of narcotics, which included ordering 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). As per National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), MDMA, which is more commonly called Ecstasy or Molly, is a synthetic medicine that alters mood and perception and is popularly used in the nightclub scene and at all-night dance parties, the "raves." The police have been on the lookout for Saharat, 25, for the past three months. It said that with plastic surgery, the man was able to get a complete remake of his original face. "None of his original face was left," the police said in a statement. Several of the witnesses in the case said that the Saharat looked like a handsome Korean man. Upon his arrest, the man revealed that he wanted "to start a new life." He added, "I am bored of Thailand." Also Read | Suspected drone attack by Belarusian partisans damages Russian military aircraft near Minsk The police were able to spot his location and arrest him on the basis of the MDMA sale he made to different sellers and buyers in Bangkok. This is not the first instance when Saharat has been arrested. The man was inside previously in jail for the past three times, one time on an assault charge. At the time, the police found 290 ecstasy pills and 2kg (4.4lb) of narcotics in liquid form in his possession. However, the fraudster was able to escape detention and later, to hide his identity and evade further arrest, he underwent heavy surgical procedures. His arrest by the Thai police seems to be very significant as major-general Theeradej Thammasutee reportedly termed him "one of the main causes of Bangkok's MDMA epidemic." Watch | Trending on WION: Couple gives birth to 'momo' twins "He is a drug lord importing MDMA from Europe at just 25 years old. We believe there are more suspects in foreign countries. We will continue our investigation," Thammasutee said. Further linkages into the complete narcotics nexus have not been unearthed as of now as Saharat said that he is unaware of the identity of the people he dealt with. But he did confirm to the police that most of the imported narcotics were from the Netherlands. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thai drug lord gets plastic surgery to look like 'handsome' Korean man, police bust narcotics racket

Many people suffer from chronic constipation issues and it becomes painful for them to tackle it, especially if they do not wish to take any medicine. These difficulties can arise because of many reasons including bad food habits or some other clinical problem. However, in a major relief, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now cleared a pill, Vibrant, which may help ease chronic constipation and that too without the use of any medicine. How?&nbsp;

Before understanding how the pill works on our body and how the pill addresses constipation issues, it is important to know about Colonic Motility as dysfunction of this can lead to constipation and other colon-related issues.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-student-under-house-arrest-for-cricitising-ukraine-war-heres-what-she-says-562149">Russian student under house arrest for cricitising Ukraine war. Here's what she says</a>

<h2>What is Colon and Colonic Motility Dysfunction?&nbsp;</h2>

The colon is an organ in the gastrointestinal tract which plays a crucial role in regulating the defecation process and maintaining the consistency of stools. However, in the case of Colonic Motility Dysfunction, bowel habits may sometimes alter which leads to constipation, diarrhoea or in certain cases, intermittent abdominal cramping.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-turkey-quake-broke-an-olive-grove-into-two-creating-a-984-feet-valley-562124">The Turkey quake broke an olive grove into two, creating a 984-feet valley</a>

<h2>How does the therapy work?&nbsp;</h2>

The drug authority gave clearance to the pill, Vibrant, in the month of August 2022. However, the treatment was up until not available to doctors for a prescription. That hurdle is also now crossed this week. The pill's main function is to provide stimulation to colonic mobility which eventually leads to a smooth bowel movement.&nbsp;

Ben Feldman, Chief Marketing Officer of Vibrant Gastro, the company which manufactured the pill, told Health, “The pills stimulate specialized nerve cells in the gut called mechanosensory cells."&nbsp;

This therapy is even more welcomed in the United States as a total of 16 per cent of people in the country are believed to the affected by Chronic constipation. This pill mechanically stimulates the colon from the inside and does not contain any medicine.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/designer-babies-how-far-is-too-far-562161">'Designer' babies: How far is too far?</a>

Feldman said that the pre-programmed timing of the mechanical stimulation is thought to "improve colonic motility by leveraging the body’s biological clock." Giving more details about the pill, the chief commercial officer for Vibrant Gastro,&nbsp;Cathy Collis,&nbsp;said that when the pill is in activation mode there are little vibrations for three seconds on, and three seconds off.

Once the stimulation part is done, the pill is automatically expelled from the body during the bowel movement. The technology in the pill helps one to track the capsule while it’s in your body.&nbsp;

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Many people suffer from chronic constipation issues and it becomes painful for them to tackle it, especially if they do not wish to take any medicine. These difficulties can arise because of many reasons including bad food habits or some other clinical problem.

Many people suffer from chronic constipation issues and it becomes painful for them to tackle it, especially if they do not wish to take any medicine. These difficulties can arise because of many reasons including bad food habits or some other clinical problem. However, in a major relief, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now cleared a pill, Vibrant, which may help ease chronic constipation and that too without the use of any medicine. How? Before understanding how the pill works on our body and how the pill addresses constipation issues, it is important to know about Colonic Motility as dysfunction of this can lead to constipation and other colon-related issues. Also Read | Russian student under house arrest for cricitising Ukraine war. Here's what she says What is Colon and Colonic Motility Dysfunction? The colon is an organ in the gastrointestinal tract which plays a crucial role in regulating the defecation process and maintaining the consistency of stools. However, in the case of Colonic Motility Dysfunction, bowel habits may sometimes alter which leads to constipation, diarrhoea or in certain cases, intermittent abdominal cramping. Also Read | The Turkey quake broke an olive grove into two, creating a 984-feet valley How does the therapy work? The drug authority gave clearance to the pill, Vibrant, in the month of August 2022. However, the treatment was up until not available to doctors for a prescription. That hurdle is also now crossed this week. The pill's main function is to provide stimulation to colonic mobility which eventually leads to a smooth bowel movement. Ben Feldman, Chief Marketing Officer of Vibrant Gastro, the company which manufactured the pill, told Health, “The pills stimulate specialized nerve cells in the gut called mechanosensory cells." This therapy is even more welcomed in the United States as a total of 16 per cent of people in the country are believed to the affected by Chronic constipation. This pill mechanically stimulates the colon from the inside and does not contain any medicine. Watch | 'Designer' babies: How far is too far? Feldman said that the pre-programmed timing of the mechanical stimulation is thought to "improve colonic motility by leveraging the body’s biological clock." Giving more details about the pill, the chief commercial officer for Vibrant Gastro, Cathy Collis, said that when the pill is in activation mode there are little vibrations for three seconds on, and three seconds off. Once the stimulation part is done, the pill is automatically expelled from the body during the bowel movement. The technology in the pill helps one to track the capsule while it’s in your body. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

FDA approves a 'first-of-its-kind' vibrating pill to relieve chronic constipation

Fentanyl overdose has already claimed many lives in the US. Though approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for cancer patients fentanyl is often abused to get dope. However, as this drug menace continues, there is a new beast in Philadelphia city. Its street name is Tranq or Zombie drug. Apparently, Tranq dope is a blend of xylazine, a sedative, and usually an opioid, such as fentanyl. This blend costs less than what the same quantity of fentanyl-only product would cost and this is the reason why people are using this blend to bulk up on illicit fentanyl.&nbsp;

Despite being inexpensive, this mixture is dangerous because xylazine causes wounds to erupt with eschar, which is a scaly dead tissue. And that's not all. These wounds can result in amputation if neglected. This sedative-opioid combination can cause hours-long periods of unconsciousness. Xylazine does not have the same typical opioid overdose reversal therapies as fentanyl, a painkiller.

<h2>Not limited to Philadelphia</h2>

In 36 states and the District of Columbia, xylazine was found in the medication supply, according to a report released in June. Health officials in New York City claim that while xylazine has been discovered in 25% of medication samples, the true saturation level is undoubtedly higher. The Food and Drug Administration sent providers a four-page countrywide xylazine alert in November.

<h2>Horror story of Tracey McCann</h2>

When she was 27 years old, Tracy McCann became dependent on opioids that were administered to her following a serious car accident. Then, in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread, tranq swept over Philadelphia. After using fentanyl for a prolonged period of time as a pain reliever, Tracey was accustomed to the bruises. But then things started to become nasty. She began to see that the tissue around her wounds was becoming crusty and blackened. She started losing herself because of how addicting the blend had become to her.

Now 39 years of age, she said, “I was sleeping on the sidewalks crying every night, knowing that I was better than that. Someone next to her got shot. A man tried to rape her, but she defended herself with a box cutter. On the hot summer streets, she saw people whose tranq wounds were covered with fleas and maggots."&nbsp;

“I could not pull myself away from that drug," she added. She had already made up her mind, though, and is currently in her fifth month of abstinence at an intense outpatient facility close to St. Louis. She is also in good health. She is simply proud of what she has achieved, something which was unimaginabl at one point in time.&nbsp;

<h2>Xylazine used as veterinary anesthetic</h2>

Xylazine was developed in 1962 as an anaesthetic for veterinary treatments. Because the medication caused respiratory depression and low blood pressure, human trials were stopped. It was probably used as a heroin replacement for addicts starting in the 2000s. According to some public health specialists, domestic xylazine bottles were either diverted from veterinary supply chains or bought online with a veterinary prescription during the pandemic. It gained gained popularity as an inexpensive and simple opioid filler.

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Fentanyl overdose has already claimed many lives in the US. Though approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for cancer patients fentanyl is often abused to get dope.

Fentanyl overdose has already claimed many lives in the US. Though approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for cancer patients fentanyl is often abused to get dope. However, as this drug menace continues, there is a new beast in Philadelphia city. Its street name is Tranq or Zombie drug. Apparently, Tranq dope is a blend of xylazine, a sedative, and usually an opioid, such as fentanyl. This blend costs less than what the same quantity of fentanyl-only product would cost and this is the reason why people are using this blend to bulk up on illicit fentanyl. Despite being inexpensive, this mixture is dangerous because xylazine causes wounds to erupt with eschar, which is a scaly dead tissue. And that's not all. These wounds can result in amputation if neglected. This sedative-opioid combination can cause hours-long periods of unconsciousness. Xylazine does not have the same typical opioid overdose reversal therapies as fentanyl, a painkiller. Not limited to Philadelphia In 36 states and the District of Columbia, xylazine was found in the medication supply, according to a report released in June. Health officials in New York City claim that while xylazine has been discovered in 25% of medication samples, the true saturation level is undoubtedly higher. The Food and Drug Administration sent providers a four-page countrywide xylazine alert in November. Horror story of Tracey McCann When she was 27 years old, Tracy McCann became dependent on opioids that were administered to her following a serious car accident. Then, in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread, tranq swept over Philadelphia. After using fentanyl for a prolonged period of time as a pain reliever, Tracey was accustomed to the bruises. But then things started to become nasty. She began to see that the tissue around her wounds was becoming crusty and blackened. She started losing herself because of how addicting the blend had become to her. Now 39 years of age, she said, “I was sleeping on the sidewalks crying every night, knowing that I was better than that. Someone next to her got shot. A man tried to rape her, but she defended herself with a box cutter. On the hot summer streets, she saw people whose tranq wounds were covered with fleas and maggots." “I could not pull myself away from that drug," she added. She had already made up her mind, though, and is currently in her fifth month of abstinence at an intense outpatient facility close to St. Louis. She is also in good health. She is simply proud of what she has achieved, something which was unimaginabl at one point in time. Xylazine used as veterinary anesthetic Xylazine was developed in 1962 as an anaesthetic for veterinary treatments. Because the medication caused respiratory depression and low blood pressure, human trials were stopped. It was probably used as a heroin replacement for addicts starting in the 2000s. According to some public health specialists, domestic xylazine bottles were either diverted from veterinary supply chains or bought online with a veterinary prescription during the pandemic. It gained gained popularity as an inexpensive and simple opioid filler. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fentanyl blend with xylazine, the vet medicine, causes havoc in US hot drug zones

America's Drug Enforcement Administration has seized nearly 4,500 kg of Fentanyl in 2022. This volume is enough to kill all 330 million Americans. Authorities say the seized drug is only a fraction of what is actually being circulated. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas:  Enough Fentanyl to kill every American seized in 2022

Kashmir Valley is slowly becoming India's drug hub. A recent study done by the Government Medical College’s Psychiatry department has revealed that Kashmir has surpassed Punjab in drug abuse cases and is currently at the number two position among the top drug abuser states in the country. With Northeast in India topping&nbsp;the drug abuse list, Kashmir is not far behind.&nbsp;

Over 33 thousand syringes are used to inject heroin by drug abusers in the Valley on a daily basis. Heroin is among the most common drugs used by these abusers. The study shows 90 percent of drug abusers are using heroin while the rest are using cocaine, brown sugar, and marijuana.&nbsp;

''The survey was conducted by the Department of Mental Health and Neurosciences in collaboration with the Health Services Department and It was financed by the Social Welfare Department. We conducted this study in all ten districts of Kashmir and we found some alarming statuses as far as the substance use scenario is concerned, it has been a dramatic change from the last couple of&nbsp;years. For the first time we are seeing Injection Heroin as the main substance user, previously we used to see painkiller and cannabis users, and in this study, we found 67 thousand substance users overall. Mainly using Heroin. '' said Dr. Fazal Ul Rab, co-Author of the Research, Psychiatric Hospital.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-lac-intrusion-attempt-set-to-rock-indian-parliament-542512">After India's intervention shunned PLA, Beijing calls situation 'stable'</a>

The survey has also revealed that most of the drug abusers are in the age group of 17-33 years. Unemployed youth are one of the main consumers of these drugs. And the number of drug abusers in the valley has crossed 67000, while 33000 are injected heroin using syringes.&nbsp;

All India Institute of Medical Sciences has done a study recently where they said that Punjab has 1.2 percent of Opiate users while the study done in Kashmir has shown the percentage at 2.5 percent. The study showed that crores of rupees are being spent on these drugs in the valley every day. A single drug abuser is spending over 88 thousand Indian rupees every month.&nbsp;

''Most of the users are daily users, usually, a heroin user uses around 1 gm of heroin. It costs around 3-4 thousand Indian rupees, and we found that almost as far as monthly consumption is concerned, there were around 88 thousand Indian rupees spent on heroin by only one user. These abusers use Cannabis or others which are a little cheaper, so around 10 thousand is spent on that as well,'' said Dr. Fazal Ul Rab, co-author of the Research, Psychiatric Hospital.&nbsp;

The Drug Abusers who are being treated at these drug de-addiction centers in Srinagar say that Drugs are easily available across the Valley and once they get addicted to these substances, they go to any extent to get them. The abusers in the valley have also become the dealers of these drugs.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-needs-more-than-800-million-in-energy-sector-aid-says-volodymyr-zelensky-542661">Ukraine needs more than $800 million in energy sector aid, says Zelensky</a>

''The abusers use heroin very openly now. We use heroin through injection and via foil.&nbsp; But mostly it's the Injection that is being used frequently. It is available everywhere in every district of Kashmir Valley. I started with cigarettes and went to use Cannabis, and then heroin. My nerves were blocked as I had become a hardcore abuser. I used to pay around 4000 rupees to get a gram of heroin, we can buy less than a gram also. Most of the abusers have become dealers now. The government has to make a policy about the availability of drugs in the Valley. '' said a Drug Abuser.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police is carrying out a major crackdown on drug peddling in the Kashmir Valley. Tons of drugs have been recovered by the Police from various districts&nbsp;of the Valley. Most of these consignments have been recovered from the bordering areas in North Kashmir in Valley while as International Border in the Jammu region. Police say most of the drug is supplied from across the border. Police recovered&nbsp;drugs from areas close to the Line of Control, like Kupwara and Uri. Also, a lot of these&nbsp;drug&nbsp;consignments were dropped via drones from across the International borders in different&nbsp;parts of Jammu. &nbsp;

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Kashmir Valley is slowly becoming India's drug hub. A recent study done by the Government Medical College’s Psychiatry department has revealed that Kashmir has surpassed Punjab in drug abuse cases and is currently at the number two position among the top drug abuser states in the country.

Kashmir Valley is slowly becoming India's drug hub. A recent study done by the Government Medical College’s Psychiatry department has revealed that Kashmir has surpassed Punjab in drug abuse cases and is currently at the number two position among the top drug abuser states in the country. With Northeast in India topping the drug abuse list, Kashmir is not far behind. Over 33 thousand syringes are used to inject heroin by drug abusers in the Valley on a daily basis. Heroin is among the most common drugs used by these abusers. The study shows 90 percent of drug abusers are using heroin while the rest are using cocaine, brown sugar, and marijuana. ''The survey was conducted by the Department of Mental Health and Neurosciences in collaboration with the Health Services Department and It was financed by the Social Welfare Department. We conducted this study in all ten districts of Kashmir and we found some alarming statuses as far as the substance use scenario is concerned, it has been a dramatic change from the last couple of years. For the first time we are seeing Injection Heroin as the main substance user, previously we used to see painkiller and cannabis users, and in this study, we found 67 thousand substance users overall. Mainly using Heroin. '' said Dr. Fazal Ul Rab, co-Author of the Research, Psychiatric Hospital. Also read | After India's intervention shunned PLA, Beijing calls situation 'stable' The survey has also revealed that most of the drug abusers are in the age group of 17-33 years. Unemployed youth are one of the main consumers of these drugs. And the number of drug abusers in the valley has crossed 67000, while 33000 are injected heroin using syringes. All India Institute of Medical Sciences has done a study recently where they said that Punjab has 1.2 percent of Opiate users while the study done in Kashmir has shown the percentage at 2.5 percent. The study showed that crores of rupees are being spent on these drugs in the valley every day. A single drug abuser is spending over 88 thousand Indian rupees every month. ''Most of the users are daily users, usually, a heroin user uses around 1 gm of heroin. It costs around 3-4 thousand Indian rupees, and we found that almost as far as monthly consumption is concerned, there were around 88 thousand Indian rupees spent on heroin by only one user. These abusers use Cannabis or others which are a little cheaper, so around 10 thousand is spent on that as well,'' said Dr. Fazal Ul Rab, co-author of the Research, Psychiatric Hospital. The Drug Abusers who are being treated at these drug de-addiction centers in Srinagar say that Drugs are easily available across the Valley and once they get addicted to these substances, they go to any extent to get them. The abusers in the valley have also become the dealers of these drugs. Also read | Ukraine needs more than $800 million in energy sector aid, says Zelensky ''The abusers use heroin very openly now. We use heroin through injection and via foil. But mostly it's the Injection that is being used frequently. It is available everywhere in every district of Kashmir Valley. I started with cigarettes and went to use Cannabis, and then heroin. My nerves were blocked as I had become a hardcore abuser. I used to pay around 4000 rupees to get a gram of heroin, we can buy less than a gram also. Most of the abusers have become dealers now. The government has to make a policy about the availability of drugs in the Valley. '' said a Drug Abuser. Jammu and Kashmir Police is carrying out a major crackdown on drug peddling in the Kashmir Valley. Tons of drugs have been recovered by the Police from various districts of the Valley. Most of these consignments have been recovered from the bordering areas in North Kashmir in Valley while as International Border in the Jammu region. Police say most of the drug is supplied from across the border. Police recovered drugs from areas close to the Line of Control, like Kupwara and Uri. Also, a lot of these drug consignments were dropped via drones from across the International borders in different parts of Jammu.

Kashmir becoming a drug hub, among top 2 places of drug abusers in India

The experimental obesity drug of Amgen Inc showed trends of promising durability in its initial trial, making way for a large mid-stage study in the next years, said company officials on Saturday, before the data presentation.&nbsp;In the Phase I trial, it was discovered that weight loss is being maintained by patients for 70 days after they have been administered the injected highest tested dose of the drug which is known as AMG133. 
 
The shares of Amgen gained about 5% after the company on November 7 said that in the trial treatment of 12 weeks in which the highest monthly dose of AMG133 was administered, it was observed that there was a mean weight loss of 14.5%.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/airborne-baby-killer-pollution-in-china-kills-64000-babies-in-womb-every-year-539933">‘Airborne baby killer’: Pollution in China kills 64,000 babies in womb every year</a> 
 
After 150 days of the last dose, there was a drop in the maintained weight to 11.2% below the original weight when the trial started, as per the findings discussed in the meeting of the World Congress of Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease held in Los Angeles. 
 
Amgen stated that the patients who were treated with AMG133 did suffer side effects which include vomiting and nausea, however, in most cases the symptoms were mild and the issues resolved in a couple of days after taking the first dose. 
 
It was estimated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that more than 40% of the population in the US is obese, which annually costs nearly $173 billion. This is a primary reason for type 2 diabetes, a few cancers, heart disease and complications in health like severe COVID-19. 
 
Amgen's head of cardiovascular metabolic discovery explained that the company had developed the drug to identify genetic signals which are related to body weight and lower fat mass, as well as healthy metabolic profiles.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/playing-piano-may-help-deal-with-mental-health-issues-like-depression-study-539926">Playing piano may help deal with mental health issues like depression: Study</a> 
 
"Genetics clearly showed in multiple large populations that decreased activity genetically of the GIP receptor gene was associated with lower BMI (body mass index)," he added. 
 
The biotech now plans to start AMG133's mid-stage study early next year in which a wide range of patients will be enrolled, which will include people suffering from additional health conditions like diabetes.

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The experimental obesity drug of Amgen Inc showed trends of promising durability in its initial trial, making way for a large mid-stage study in the next years, said company officials on Saturday, before the data presentation.

The experimental obesity drug of Amgen Inc showed trends of promising durability in its initial trial, making way for a large mid-stage study in the next years, said company officials on Saturday, before the data presentation. In the Phase I trial, it was discovered that weight loss is being maintained by patients for 70 days after they have been administered the injected highest tested dose of the drug which is known as AMG133. The shares of Amgen gained about 5% after the company on November 7 said that in the trial treatment of 12 weeks in which the highest monthly dose of AMG133 was administered, it was observed that there was a mean weight loss of 14.5%. ALSO READ| ‘Airborne baby killer’: Pollution in China kills 64,000 babies in womb every year After 150 days of the last dose, there was a drop in the maintained weight to 11.2% below the original weight when the trial started, as per the findings discussed in the meeting of the World Congress of Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease held in Los Angeles. Amgen stated that the patients who were treated with AMG133 did suffer side effects which include vomiting and nausea, however, in most cases the symptoms were mild and the issues resolved in a couple of days after taking the first dose. It was estimated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that more than 40% of the population in the US is obese, which annually costs nearly $173 billion. This is a primary reason for type 2 diabetes, a few cancers, heart disease and complications in health like severe COVID-19. Amgen's head of cardiovascular metabolic discovery explained that the company had developed the drug to identify genetic signals which are related to body weight and lower fat mass, as well as healthy metabolic profiles. ALSO READ| Playing piano may help deal with mental health issues like depression: Study "Genetics clearly showed in multiple large populations that decreased activity genetically of the GIP receptor gene was associated with lower BMI (body mass index)," he added. The biotech now plans to start AMG133's mid-stage study early next year in which a wide range of patients will be enrolled, which will include people suffering from additional health conditions like diabetes.

Experimental obesity drug promising, demonstrating durability, claims pharma firm

A&nbsp;Buddhist monastery in central Thailand is now without monks after all of its holy men failed drug tests and were defrocked, as reported by AFP.

According to district administrator, Boonlert Thintapthai of Phetchabun province, four monks, including an abbot, at a temple in the Bung Sam Phan district tested positive for methamphetamine on Monday.&nbsp;

The monks have been transferred to a medical facility for drug rehabilitation.&nbsp;

The monks have left the temple, and the nearby villagers are worried that they cannot perform any merit-making, he said.

Worshippers might earn merit by giving food to monks as a good deed.&nbsp;

More monks will be dispatched to the temple, according to Boonlert, so that the locals can fulfil their religious duties.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-searches-for-china-covid-protests-are-filled-with-porn-and-spam-538452">Govt bot offensive? Twitter searches on China Covid protests return porn and spam</a>

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime claims that Thailand is a significant transit country for methamphetamine that enters the country via Laos from Myanmar's unstable Shan state.&nbsp;

Pills can be purchased for less than 20 baht (about $0.50) on the street.&nbsp;

In recent years, authorities in Southeast Asia have seized unprecedented amounts of meth.

(with inputs from agencies)

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A Buddhist monastery in central Thailand is now without monks after all of its holy men failed drug tests and were defrocked, as reported by AFP. According to district administrator, Boonlert Thintapthai of Phetchabun province, four monks, including an abbot, at a temple in the Bung Sam Phan district tested positive for methamphetamine on Monday.

A Buddhist monastery in central Thailand is now without monks after all of its holy men failed drug tests and were defrocked, as reported by AFP. According to district administrator, Boonlert Thintapthai of Phetchabun province, four monks, including an abbot, at a temple in the Bung Sam Phan district tested positive for methamphetamine on Monday. The monks have been transferred to a medical facility for drug rehabilitation. The monks have left the temple, and the nearby villagers are worried that they cannot perform any merit-making, he said. Worshippers might earn merit by giving food to monks as a good deed. More monks will be dispatched to the temple, according to Boonlert, so that the locals can fulfil their religious duties. Also Read: Govt bot offensive? Twitter searches on China Covid protests return porn and spam The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime claims that Thailand is a significant transit country for methamphetamine that enters the country via Laos from Myanmar's unstable Shan state. Pills can be purchased for less than 20 baht (about $0.50) on the street. In recent years, authorities in Southeast Asia have seized unprecedented amounts of meth. (with inputs from agencies)

Thailand temple left without monks after all its holy men failed drug tests

A blood thinning drug, widely administered to Covid patients who have been discharged from hospital has been found by a study to be not working and having serious side-effects. The research has reportedly shown that Apixaban, the drug in question, can cause severe bleeding. The anticoagulant is often called to be 'life saving for the patients.

However, Heal Covid trial, UK government funded initiative has found that this may not be the case.

“These first findings from Heal-Covid show us that a blood-thinning drug, commonly thought to be a useful intervention in the post-hospital phase, is actually ineffective at stopping people dying or being readmitted to hospital," said Professor Charlotte Summers, chief investigator of the trial. She was quoted by The Guardian.

“This finding is important because it will prevent unnecessary harm occurring to people for no benefit,” Summers added. She is intensive care doctor at Addenbrooke's hospital in Cambridge, UK.

&nbsp;“This trial is the first robust evidence that longer anticoagulation after acute Covid-19 puts patients at risk for no clear benefit," said Dr Mark Toshner, the co-chief investigator of the study.

“Our hope is that these results will stop this drug being needlessly prescribed to patients with Covid-19 and we can change medical practice,” he added.

The trial was run by experts at Addenbrooke's and Cambridge University. 402 volunteers were given the drug. Several of them suffered severe bleeding and had to discontinue the drug. The trail also found that administering Apixaban did not significant lower likelihood of recovered patients getting admitted to hospital.

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A blood thinning drug, widely administered to Covid patients who have been discharged from hospital has been found by a study to be not working and having serious side-effects.

A blood thinning drug, widely administered to Covid patients who have been discharged from hospital has been found by a study to be not working and having serious side-effects. The research has reportedly shown that Apixaban, the drug in question, can cause severe bleeding. The anticoagulant is often called to be 'life saving for the patients. However, Heal Covid trial, UK government funded initiative has found that this may not be the case. “These first findings from Heal-Covid show us that a blood-thinning drug, commonly thought to be a useful intervention in the post-hospital phase, is actually ineffective at stopping people dying or being readmitted to hospital," said Professor Charlotte Summers, chief investigator of the trial. She was quoted by The Guardian. “This finding is important because it will prevent unnecessary harm occurring to people for no benefit,” Summers added. She is intensive care doctor at Addenbrooke's hospital in Cambridge, UK. “This trial is the first robust evidence that longer anticoagulation after acute Covid-19 puts patients at risk for no clear benefit," said Dr Mark Toshner, the co-chief investigator of the study. “Our hope is that these results will stop this drug being needlessly prescribed to patients with Covid-19 and we can change medical practice,” he added. The trial was run by experts at Addenbrooke's and Cambridge University. 402 volunteers were given the drug. Several of them suffered severe bleeding and had to discontinue the drug. The trail also found that administering Apixaban did not significant lower likelihood of recovered patients getting admitted to hospital. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

A Covid blood-thinner drug does not work, causes side effects: Study

The Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical company CSL Behring published the $3.5 million price tag immediately after the FDA granted its approval, claiming that the medicine would ultimately lower healthcare costs because patients would experience fewer bleeding events and require fewer clotting therapies.&nbsp;

The price of Hemgenix, which easily surpasses Novartis' Zolgensma gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which costs close to $2 million per dose and is also a single-dose medication, makes it the most expensive medication in the world, according to a study cited by the National Library of Medicine.&nbsp;

The cost of the new treatment, like that of the majority of American medications, will primarily be covered by insurers, not by the patient, both through private plans and public programmes.

After decades of research, gene treatments have started to change how cancer and other uncommon inheritable diseases are treated by using drugs that can alter or correct genetic abnormalities.&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-missile-goes-off-the-rails-in-ukraine-harms-civilians-537147">&nbsp;American missile goes off the rails in Ukraine, harms civilians</a>

The first such treatment for haemophilia is Hemgenix, and a number of other pharmaceutical companies are developing gene treatments for the disorder's more prevalent variant, haemophilia A.&nbsp;

The liver, which produces the clotting protein, receives a functional gene from Hemgenix.&nbsp;

According to the FDA, haemophilia B affects approximately 1 in 40,000 individuals and accounts for 15 per cent&nbsp;of those who have the condition.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical company CSL Behring published the $3.5 million price tag immediately after the FDA granted its approval, claiming that the medicine would ultimately lower healthcare costs because patients would experience fewer bleeding events and require fewer clotting therapies.

The Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical company CSL Behring published the $3.5 million price tag immediately after the FDA granted its approval, claiming that the medicine would ultimately lower healthcare costs because patients would experience fewer bleeding events and require fewer clotting therapies. The price of Hemgenix, which easily surpasses Novartis' Zolgensma gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which costs close to $2 million per dose and is also a single-dose medication, makes it the most expensive medication in the world, according to a study cited by the National Library of Medicine. The cost of the new treatment, like that of the majority of American medications, will primarily be covered by insurers, not by the patient, both through private plans and public programmes. After decades of research, gene treatments have started to change how cancer and other uncommon inheritable diseases are treated by using drugs that can alter or correct genetic abnormalities. Also Read: American missile goes off the rails in Ukraine, harms civilians The first such treatment for haemophilia is Hemgenix, and a number of other pharmaceutical companies are developing gene treatments for the disorder's more prevalent variant, haemophilia A. The liver, which produces the clotting protein, receives a functional gene from Hemgenix. According to the FDA, haemophilia B affects approximately 1 in 40,000 individuals and accounts for 15 per cent of those who have the condition. (with inputs from agencies)

US: FDA approves most expensive drug ever, costs $3.5 million per dose

A French court has ordered a formal investigation of German pharmaceutical firm Merck for failing to inform patients about the side effects of its thyroid drug, Levothyrox.

The lawyer representing Merck’s France unit, Mario-Pierre Stasi, has assured that the company would cooperate with the investigative authorities saying that all legal proceedings must be allowed to run their course.

On Tuesday, the pharma company was charged with “aggravated deceit” after its president was questioned by a judge in southern Marseille city.

Merck said the ruling did not raise concern on the quality of the new formula for Levothyrox, and added that it would provide “all necessary information to show there was no criminal fault of any kind”, reports AFP.

According to Merck, France is the world’s biggest consumer of Levothyrox, with around 2.5 million users taking the drug.

In 2017, a new version of Levothyrox was introduced. However, around 30,000 people in France complained of headaches, insomnia, hair loss or dizziness from taking the new concoction.

Levothyrox drug is used to treat underactive thyroids or following surgery for cancer of the organ, which regulates the body’s metabolism.

The patients accused Merck of misleading them about the potential new side effects, following which a petition was filed calling on the company to bring back the old formula. The petition had gained around 170,000 signatures.

In march 2022, the French Supreme Court rejected the company’s appeal against a lower court’s ruling in 2020 that ordered Merck to compensate 3,300 plaintiffs in a civil case.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A French court has ordered a formal investigation of German pharmaceutical firm Merck for failing to inform patients about the side effects of its thyroid drug, Levothyrox.

A French court has ordered a formal investigation of German pharmaceutical firm Merck for failing to inform patients about the side effects of its thyroid drug, Levothyrox. The lawyer representing Merck’s France unit, Mario-Pierre Stasi, has assured that the company would cooperate with the investigative authorities saying that all legal proceedings must be allowed to run their course. On Tuesday, the pharma company was charged with “aggravated deceit” after its president was questioned by a judge in southern Marseille city. Merck said the ruling did not raise concern on the quality of the new formula for Levothyrox, and added that it would provide “all necessary information to show there was no criminal fault of any kind”, reports AFP. According to Merck, France is the world’s biggest consumer of Levothyrox, with around 2.5 million users taking the drug. In 2017, a new version of Levothyrox was introduced. However, around 30,000 people in France complained of headaches, insomnia, hair loss or dizziness from taking the new concoction. Levothyrox drug is used to treat underactive thyroids or following surgery for cancer of the organ, which regulates the body’s metabolism. The patients accused Merck of misleading them about the potential new side effects, following which a petition was filed calling on the company to bring back the old formula. The petition had gained around 170,000 signatures. In march 2022, the French Supreme Court rejected the company’s appeal against a lower court’s ruling in 2020 that ordered Merck to compensate 3,300 plaintiffs in a civil case. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French court charges German pharma firm Merck with ‘deceit’ over thyroid drug

President Joe Biden took steps to overhaul US policy on marijuana on Thursday by pardoning thousands of people with federal offenses for simple marijuana possession and initiating a review of how the drug is classified.

Joe Biden announces steps to overhaul US policy on marijuana

The United States is upping its efforts to protect its citizens from the impact of any radiological and nuclear emergencies. The US health department is purchasing a drug that treats blood cell injuries caused due to acute radiation syndrome in adults and pediatric patients.

US: California-based firm Amgen developed Nplate drug, cures radiation sicknes

Paris police on Wednesday dismantled a camp that is home to over 100 crack users, the latest move in a campaign that has repeatedly displaced the addicts around the capital.

Residents and aid groups have for years been frustrated by authorities' failure to either clamp down on open drug dealing and crime in and around the camps or to provide appropriate treatment for users.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter as the evacuation got underway that this time, "1,000 officers will be deployed to prevent the camp from reforming somewhere else".

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Sur mon instruction, le <a href="https://twitter.com/prefpolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@prefpolice</a> procède au démantèlement définitif ce matin du «campement du crack» du square Forceval à Paris. 1000 policiers seront déployés afin que ce campement ne se reconstitue pas ailleurs. Un moment important pour l’ordre public rétabli à Paris.
— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) <a href="https://twitter.com/GDarmanin/status/1577524933340663808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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An AFP journalist saw large numbers of police surround the rubbish-strewn Square Forceval in northeast Paris from 7:00 am (0500 GMT), with police chief Laurent Nunez on the scene.

By mid-morning, tents, furniture and other items had been mostly removed and cleaning services had arrived, with a few of its inhabitants still visible in the surrounding streets.

The clearance was "inevitable and necessary to make our neighbourhoods habitable again", said Francois Dagnaud, mayor of Paris' 19th district.

But the possibility the camp might be reconstituted elsewhere "is a risk that should be on everyone's mind and that is in no one's interest," he added.

Over the past two years, successive evacuations have moved crack users from the Stalingrad square on the city's Saint-Martin canal, first to a nearby park, and then to their current site alongside the French capital's ring road.

Tackling the city's crack problem, visible on the streets for the past three decades has proved difficult due to the addictiveness of the drug, a cocaine derivative that sells for as little as $9.90 per dose.

Darmanin, a law-and-order hardliner, has given newly-installed Paris police chief Nunez a single year to wipe out crack in the capital. 
The interior ministry said that inhabitants of the camp wanted by police would be arrested, while foreigners without papers would be detained awaiting deportation.

"Other occupants will be directed towards accommodation structures with medical and social assistance, or to medical facilities," the ministry added.

But "in our view, the conditions aren't there to prevent further open locations" forming for crack dealing and consumption, said Marie Debrus of aid group Medecins du Monde, who was on the scene for the evacuation.

"In a few months we'll see them in the entrance halls of blocks of flats," she added, calling the clearance "a humanitarian crisis orchestrated by the authorities".

Aid groups say that between 300 and 400 people spent time in the camp during the day and around 150 at night, up to 40 per cent of them women. Dealers sold crack "rocks" openly among the groups of users.

As at other sites where the addicts have gathered, local residents have complained of assaults, thefts and other disruption since their arrival. Around 500 people demonstrated last month to mark the camp being in place for a year and demand its removal.

"We've been calling for the clearance for a year, but also for addicts and people sick from crack to be taken care of," said Melinda Bernardo, of the "93 Anti-Crack" group based in Paris' northeastern suburbs.

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Paris police on Wednesday dismantled a camp that is home to over 100 crack users, the latest move in a campaign that has repeatedly displaced the addicts around the capital.

Paris police on Wednesday dismantled a camp that is home to over 100 crack users, the latest move in a campaign that has repeatedly displaced the addicts around the capital. Residents and aid groups have for years been frustrated by authorities' failure to either clamp down on open drug dealing and crime in and around the camps or to provide appropriate treatment for users. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter as the evacuation got underway that this time, "1,000 officers will be deployed to prevent the camp from reforming somewhere else". Sur mon instruction, le @prefpolice procède au démantèlement définitif ce matin du «campement du crack» du square Forceval à Paris. 1000 policiers seront déployés afin que ce campement ne se reconstitue pas ailleurs. Un moment important pour l’ordre public rétabli à Paris. — Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) October 5, 2022 × An AFP journalist saw large numbers of police surround the rubbish-strewn Square Forceval in northeast Paris from 7:00 am (0500 GMT), with police chief Laurent Nunez on the scene. By mid-morning, tents, furniture and other items had been mostly removed and cleaning services had arrived, with a few of its inhabitants still visible in the surrounding streets. The clearance was "inevitable and necessary to make our neighbourhoods habitable again", said Francois Dagnaud, mayor of Paris' 19th district. But the possibility the camp might be reconstituted elsewhere "is a risk that should be on everyone's mind and that is in no one's interest," he added. Over the past two years, successive evacuations have moved crack users from the Stalingrad square on the city's Saint-Martin canal, first to a nearby park, and then to their current site alongside the French capital's ring road. Tackling the city's crack problem, visible on the streets for the past three decades has proved difficult due to the addictiveness of the drug, a cocaine derivative that sells for as little as $9.90 per dose. Darmanin, a law-and-order hardliner, has given newly-installed Paris police chief Nunez a single year to wipe out crack in the capital. The interior ministry said that inhabitants of the camp wanted by police would be arrested, while foreigners without papers would be detained awaiting deportation. "Other occupants will be directed towards accommodation structures with medical and social assistance, or to medical facilities," the ministry added. But "in our view, the conditions aren't there to prevent further open locations" forming for crack dealing and consumption, said Marie Debrus of aid group Medecins du Monde, who was on the scene for the evacuation. "In a few months we'll see them in the entrance halls of blocks of flats," she added, calling the clearance "a humanitarian crisis orchestrated by the authorities". Aid groups say that between 300 and 400 people spent time in the camp during the day and around 150 at night, up to 40 per cent of them women. Dealers sold crack "rocks" openly among the groups of users. As at other sites where the addicts have gathered, local residents have complained of assaults, thefts and other disruption since their arrival. Around 500 people demonstrated last month to mark the camp being in place for a year and demand its removal. "We've been calling for the clearance for a year, but also for addicts and people sick from crack to be taken care of," said Melinda Bernardo, of the "93 Anti-Crack" group based in Paris' northeastern suburbs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Paris: Authorities clear a drug den housing more than 100 addicts

As part of efforts to relax marijuana prohibitions in NATO and EU regions, Brussels may soon have “cannabis coffee shops” on the lines of Amsterdam. Such cafes are very popular in Amsterdam&nbsp;that people often visit to enjoy. However, when selecting the perfect cannabis in Amsterdam, there are many factors an individual should take into account. Whether you prefer a relaxing high that can be perfect for binge-watching TV or a positive high that’s good for certain outside activities.

Philippe Close, the socialist mayor of Brussels, compares smoking marijuana to sipping a glass of whiskey. He has urged the creation of cannabis cafes where customers can legally buy and smoke the drug. The mayor of the city supports the idea of a proposal that would licence locations where cannabis could be purchased, as well as allow possession of up to three grammes of drugs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parish-in-uk-village-removes-cannabis-plants-from-display-trolled-on-social-media-500495">Parish in UK village removes ‘cannabis’ plants from display, trolled on social media</a>

During a conversation with Dutch daily NRC Handelsblad, he said, “I see a joint like I see a glass of whisky.” He further added that he hopes that Brussels will soon have such coffee shops. In 2003, cannabis use for personal consumption became legal in Belgium. In an&nbsp;interview, Close reiterated his call for decriminalising marijuana use in Belgium as a first step towards legalisation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-move-to-legalise-cannabis-may-lead-to-cascading-effect-493649">Germany’s move to legalise cannabis may lead to cascading effect</a>

A few days prior to the interview with the Dutch publication, the mayor had proposed in the Belgian media to hold a serene debate about decriminalising and ultimately legalising marijuana through a ‘national drug plan’ — partially in imitation of the Netherlands.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As part of efforts to relax marijuana prohibitions in NATO and EU regions, Brussels may soon have “cannabis coffee shops” on the lines of Amsterdam. Such cafes are very popular in Amsterdam that people often visit to enjoy.

As part of efforts to relax marijuana prohibitions in NATO and EU regions, Brussels may soon have “cannabis coffee shops” on the lines of Amsterdam. Such cafes are very popular in Amsterdam that people often visit to enjoy. However, when selecting the perfect cannabis in Amsterdam, there are many factors an individual should take into account. Whether you prefer a relaxing high that can be perfect for binge-watching TV or a positive high that’s good for certain outside activities. Philippe Close, the socialist mayor of Brussels, compares smoking marijuana to sipping a glass of whiskey. He has urged the creation of cannabis cafes where customers can legally buy and smoke the drug. The mayor of the city supports the idea of a proposal that would licence locations where cannabis could be purchased, as well as allow possession of up to three grammes of drugs. Also read | Parish in UK village removes ‘cannabis’ plants from display, trolled on social media During a conversation with Dutch daily NRC Handelsblad, he said, “I see a joint like I see a glass of whisky.” He further added that he hopes that Brussels will soon have such coffee shops. In 2003, cannabis use for personal consumption became legal in Belgium. In an interview, Close reiterated his call for decriminalising marijuana use in Belgium as a first step towards legalisation. Also read | Germany’s move to legalise cannabis may lead to cascading effect A few days prior to the interview with the Dutch publication, the mayor had proposed in the Belgian media to hold a serene debate about decriminalising and ultimately legalising marijuana through a ‘national drug plan’ — partially in imitation of the Netherlands. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brussels mayor urges starting ‘cannabis cafes’ in Amsterdam style

With easy availability, Fentanyl overdose is a major concern in the US. Social media is being used to crack drug deals as agencies try to control the menace.

Fentanyl overdose major concern in the US, easy availability causes alarm

Peru, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cocaine, has been negotiating a deal with the United States for “non-lethal” assistance in intercepting planes carrying illicit drugs. Peru’s anti-drug chief on Wednesday (July 14) said the country wants to reach an agreement with the US as soon as possible to assist it to combat the use of planes to smuggle cocaine at a time when coca planting has been expanding.&nbsp;The US discontinued its support to Peru when the Peruvian Air Force shot down a jet after mistaking it for one belonging to drug traffickers, killing two American citizens, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Ricardo Soberon, head of the national anti-drug organization DEVIDA in a conference stated that the efforts to destroy coca farms, the plants used to make cocaine, have been hampered by rising global demand for the drug. Soberon further said that “the concept of shared responsibility’ needs to be reviewed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-in-a-major-drug-haul-police-seize-1-tonne-of-cocaine-490951">Peru: In a major drug haul, police seize 1 tonne of cocaine</a>

Soberon said, production in Peru has primarily increased in the Ucayali area, which shares a border with Brazil. The cocoa plantation has nearly quadrupled in size in just the matter of two years, adding 10,229 hectares (25,276 acres) in 2021. However, the official number has not yet been declared, the chief continued by saying that the national growth of coca leaf crops is anticipated to have increased in the year 2021. The country anticipates coca leaf crops would cover 61,700 hectares in the year 2020.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cocaine-worth-86-million-gets-delivered-to-supermarkets-in-banana-shipment-488630">Cocaine worth $86 million gets delivered to supermarkets in banana shipment</a>

The anti-drug chief plans to visit Washington in late August or during the beginning of September to meet with the US State Department to discuss the situation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Peru, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cocaine, has been negotiating a deal with the United States for “non-lethal” assistance in intercepting planes carrying illicit drugs.

Peru, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cocaine, has been negotiating a deal with the United States for “non-lethal” assistance in intercepting planes carrying illicit drugs. Peru’s anti-drug chief on Wednesday (July 14) said the country wants to reach an agreement with the US as soon as possible to assist it to combat the use of planes to smuggle cocaine at a time when coca planting has been expanding. The US discontinued its support to Peru when the Peruvian Air Force shot down a jet after mistaking it for one belonging to drug traffickers, killing two American citizens, Reuters reported. Ricardo Soberon, head of the national anti-drug organization DEVIDA in a conference stated that the efforts to destroy coca farms, the plants used to make cocaine, have been hampered by rising global demand for the drug. Soberon further said that “the concept of shared responsibility’ needs to be reviewed. Also read | Peru: In a major drug haul, police seize 1 tonne of cocaine Soberon said, production in Peru has primarily increased in the Ucayali area, which shares a border with Brazil. The cocoa plantation has nearly quadrupled in size in just the matter of two years, adding 10,229 hectares (25,276 acres) in 2021. However, the official number has not yet been declared, the chief continued by saying that the national growth of coca leaf crops is anticipated to have increased in the year 2021. The country anticipates coca leaf crops would cover 61,700 hectares in the year 2020. Also read | Cocaine worth $86 million gets delivered to supermarkets in banana shipment The anti-drug chief plans to visit Washington in late August or during the beginning of September to meet with the US State Department to discuss the situation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Peru wants US ‘non-lethal’ assistance to stop cocaine trafficking planes

There has been a crucial breakthrough in the fight against the cancer. A trial was carried out at a cancer center in New York. Patients were injected with a drug, and after 6 months, cancer tumors vanished in all patients.

Medical Miracle: After 6 months, Cancer vanished in all patients

Even as monkeypox swarms US and Europe affecting thousands of people, a new research has claimed to have found the potential cure to treat the viral infection. Scientists have said that giving antiviral medications might shorten symptoms and reduce the amount of time a patient is contagious. The antivirals are designed for smallpox. The medication, if effective as the study suggests, can be a major breakthrough for several countries who are already reeling under the surge of COVID-19 outbreak. There are currently no licensed treatments for monkeypox in humans. The only available drugs, identified in the study, are Brincidofovir and Tecovirimat.

So far, both the drugs are only approved in the USA for the treatment of smallpox.

The study was published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases after analysing seven patients who were treated for monkeypox between 2018 and 2021 in the United Kingdom, The Independent reported.

The researchers pointed out that their study is based on a small sample group and called for further investigations around the antiviral treatments.

Their findings said that monkeypox was found in throat and blood samples of the patients. Five of them spent more than three weeks in isolation – up to 39 days – as they received prolonged positive PCR test results.

Watch |&nbsp;UN denounces ‘racist’ and ‘homophobic’ coverage of monkeypox

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Monkeypox not airborne

However, the authors cautioned that their study does not point toward airborne infection like that of COVID-19.&nbsp;

“In our cases, it’s been with very close contact in households with children and parents having direct contact with each other rather than the necessary at a distance,” Dr David Porter, one of the authors of the report said.

Effectiveness of the medicines

Of the seven patients, three of them, who came from West Africa, were treated with brincidofovir seven days after the onset of the disease. However, it was not found to be effective.

One patient treated with Tecovirimat for two weeks experienced a shorter duration of symptoms. One patient experienced a mild relapse 6 weeks after hospital discharge.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/monkeypox-outbreaks-list-of-countries-where-cases-found-recently-will-it-be-like-covid-19-pandemic-480924">Monkeypox outbreaks: A list of countries that recorded cases recently. Will it be like COVID-19 pandemic?</a>

None of the patients experienced the common severe complications of monkeypox such as pneumonia or sepsis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/monkeypox-simulation-was-conducted-last-year-with-bizarre-results-481793">Monkeypox simulation results: Fictional nation, terror group and massive outbreak</a>

“The disease course of the patients we report on were challenging and resource-intensive to manage, even in the high-income setting of the UK. Monkeypox outbreaks will continue to occur in west and central Africa, and healthcare workers around the world must remain vigilant to the possibility of monkeypox in travellers presenting with fever and rash. Our observations in this small series support further research into antivirals to treat this neglected tropical disease,” the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Even as monkeypox swarms US and Europe affecting thousands of people, a new research has claimed to have found the potential cure to treat the viral infection. Scientists have said that giving antiviral medications might shorten symptoms and reduce the amount of time a patient is contagious.

Even as monkeypox swarms US and Europe affecting thousands of people, a new research has claimed to have found the potential cure to treat the viral infection. Scientists have said that giving antiviral medications might shorten symptoms and reduce the amount of time a patient is contagious. The antivirals are designed for smallpox. The medication, if effective as the study suggests, can be a major breakthrough for several countries who are already reeling under the surge of COVID-19 outbreak. There are currently no licensed treatments for monkeypox in humans. The only available drugs, identified in the study, are Brincidofovir and Tecovirimat. So far, both the drugs are only approved in the USA for the treatment of smallpox. The study was published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases after analysing seven patients who were treated for monkeypox between 2018 and 2021 in the United Kingdom, The Independent reported. The researchers pointed out that their study is based on a small sample group and called for further investigations around the antiviral treatments. Their findings said that monkeypox was found in throat and blood samples of the patients. Five of them spent more than three weeks in isolation – up to 39 days – as they received prolonged positive PCR test results. Watch | UN denounces ‘racist’ and ‘homophobic’ coverage of monkeypox Monkeypox not airborne However, the authors cautioned that their study does not point toward airborne infection like that of COVID-19. “In our cases, it’s been with very close contact in households with children and parents having direct contact with each other rather than the necessary at a distance,” Dr David Porter, one of the authors of the report said. Effectiveness of the medicines Of the seven patients, three of them, who came from West Africa, were treated with brincidofovir seven days after the onset of the disease. However, it was not found to be effective. One patient treated with Tecovirimat for two weeks experienced a shorter duration of symptoms. One patient experienced a mild relapse 6 weeks after hospital discharge. Also read | Monkeypox outbreaks: A list of countries that recorded cases recently. Will it be like COVID-19 pandemic? None of the patients experienced the common severe complications of monkeypox such as pneumonia or sepsis. Also read | Monkeypox simulation results: Fictional nation, terror group and massive outbreak “The disease course of the patients we report on were challenging and resource-intensive to manage, even in the high-income setting of the UK. Monkeypox outbreaks will continue to occur in west and central Africa, and healthcare workers around the world must remain vigilant to the possibility of monkeypox in travellers presenting with fever and rash. Our observations in this small series support further research into antivirals to treat this neglected tropical disease,” the report said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Can monkeypox be cured? UK scientists claim to have found potential wonder drug

A drug developed to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in humans can be the answer to treating spinal cord injuries. The drug, known as AZD1236, has shown impressive results on mice suffering from spinal cord injuries and researchers from the University of Birmingham believe that they will be testing it on humans very soon. Spinal injuries are quite common in the United Kingdom and if the testing is successful, the drug can also be used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/part-of-skull-dating-back-almost-8000-years-found-in-minnesota-river-480767" hreflang="en">Part of skull dating back almost 8,000 years found in Minnesota River</a>

The results of the study, published in the journal Clinical and Translational Medicine, state that the mice showed almost 80-85 per cent improvement after the drug was administered. The results were also found to be quite similar whether the drug is given 24 hours or six weeks after the injury.

The report explained the drug blocks the action of enzymes - MMP-9 and MMP-12 – which cause swelling after suffering a spinal cord injury and lowers the inflammation and pain in the area.

“What we’re doing is we’re dampening down the damage to the nerve tissues. That way, we’re preserving more and more of the neurons,” said Prof Zubair Ahmed according to The Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-has-identified-something-weird-happening-to-the-universe-480678" hreflang="en">NASA has identified 'something weird' happening to the universe</a>

With the experiments on mice showing good results, the next move will be to test the medicine on humans. According to The Guardian, around 2500 people suffer spinal cord injuries in the United Kingdom every year and this can be the answer to a problem that was deemed irreversible till now.

“Five to six years and this could be a potential treatment, if everything goes well,” he said.

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A drug developed to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in humans can be the answer to treating spinal cord injuries. The drug, known as AZD1236, has shown impressive results on mice suffering from spinal cord injuries and researchers from the University of Birmingham believe that they will be testing it on humans very soon.

A drug developed to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in humans can be the answer to treating spinal cord injuries. The drug, known as AZD1236, has shown impressive results on mice suffering from spinal cord injuries and researchers from the University of Birmingham believe that they will be testing it on humans very soon. Spinal injuries are quite common in the United Kingdom and if the testing is successful, the drug can also be used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis. Also read | Part of skull dating back almost 8,000 years found in Minnesota River The results of the study, published in the journal Clinical and Translational Medicine, state that the mice showed almost 80-85 per cent improvement after the drug was administered. The results were also found to be quite similar whether the drug is given 24 hours or six weeks after the injury. The report explained the drug blocks the action of enzymes - MMP-9 and MMP-12 – which cause swelling after suffering a spinal cord injury and lowers the inflammation and pain in the area. “What we’re doing is we’re dampening down the damage to the nerve tissues. That way, we’re preserving more and more of the neurons,” said Prof Zubair Ahmed according to The Guardian. Also read | NASA has identified 'something weird' happening to the universe With the experiments on mice showing good results, the next move will be to test the medicine on humans. According to The Guardian, around 2500 people suffer spinal cord injuries in the United Kingdom every year and this can be the answer to a problem that was deemed irreversible till now. “Five to six years and this could be a potential treatment, if everything goes well,” he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Drug developed for lung diseases shows great results in mice with spinal cord injuries

A joint operation between India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has led to the seizure of 218 packets of high-grade heroin, from two fishing boats. In what is being called an intelligence-driven operation, ICG ship 'Sujeet' along with its crew and&nbsp;DRI officials maintained a strict vigil over India's Exclusive Economic Zone, since 7th May. It was on 18th May that they intercepted Indian fishing boats 'Prince' and 'Little Jesus' carrying the contraband, off Lakshadweep islands in India's Western coast.&nbsp;

According to authorities, they launched 'Operation Khojbeen' based on specific intelligence that two Indian boats would be sailing from the coast of Tamil Nadu and would receive narcotics in huge quantity somewhere in the Arabian sea, during the second or third week of May.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-looking-to-construct-military-bases-in-pakistan-report-480699" hreflang="en">China looking to construct military outposts in Pakistan: Report</a>

On being questioned, the boats' crew confessed to have received heroin in huge quantities while at the high seas and having concealed it in their boats.&nbsp;

After being taken to Coast guard Headquarters, Kochi, searching of the boats revealed 218 packets of heroin, each of which contained&nbsp;carried 1kg of the drug each. The seized contraband is estimated to have a value Rs1526 crores (Rs 15.26 billion), in the international market. It was added that seizure proceedings under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985 are being undertaken by the DRI. As part of investigations, further searches are also underway at multiple locations, they added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-first-case-of-omicron-ba4-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-new-covid-variant-480746" hreflang="en">India reports first case of Omicron BA.4. Here’s all you need to know</a>

According to the agency, this is the fourth major drug bust by DRI in the past one month. Earlier, DRI recovered 205.6 kg heroin from a commercial import consignment of gypsum powder at the Kandla port on 20th April, 396 kg of yarn (laced with heroin) at Pipavav port on 29th April, and 62kg heroin at Air Cargo Complex, IGI New Delhi on 10th May, which are collectively valued at approximately Rs. 2,500 crores (Rs&nbsp;25 billion) in international illicit market.

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A joint operation between India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has led to the seizure of 218 packets of high-grade heroin, from two fishing boats.

A joint operation between India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has led to the seizure of 218 packets of high-grade heroin, from two fishing boats. In what is being called an intelligence-driven operation, ICG ship 'Sujeet' along with its crew and DRI officials maintained a strict vigil over India's Exclusive Economic Zone, since 7th May. It was on 18th May that they intercepted Indian fishing boats 'Prince' and 'Little Jesus' carrying the contraband, off Lakshadweep islands in India's Western coast. According to authorities, they launched 'Operation Khojbeen' based on specific intelligence that two Indian boats would be sailing from the coast of Tamil Nadu and would receive narcotics in huge quantity somewhere in the Arabian sea, during the second or third week of May. Also read | China looking to construct military outposts in Pakistan: Report On being questioned, the boats' crew confessed to have received heroin in huge quantities while at the high seas and having concealed it in their boats. After being taken to Coast guard Headquarters, Kochi, searching of the boats revealed 218 packets of heroin, each of which contained carried 1kg of the drug each. The seized contraband is estimated to have a value Rs1526 crores (Rs 15.26 billion), in the international market. It was added that seizure proceedings under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985 are being undertaken by the DRI. As part of investigations, further searches are also underway at multiple locations, they added. Also read | India reports first case of Omicron BA.4. Here’s all you need to know According to the agency, this is the fourth major drug bust by DRI in the past one month. Earlier, DRI recovered 205.6 kg heroin from a commercial import consignment of gypsum powder at the Kandla port on 20th April, 396 kg of yarn (laced with heroin) at Pipavav port on 29th April, and 62kg heroin at Air Cargo Complex, IGI New Delhi on 10th May, which are collectively valued at approximately Rs. 2,500 crores (Rs 25 billion) in international illicit market. WATCH WION LIVE HERE - You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

218kg heroin worth Rs 15.26 billion seized from fishing boats off India's west coast

Thailand is giving away 1 million cannabis plants for free as it decriminalises the drug. The country's health ministry aims to use cannabis to boos tourism & generate revenue. Which other countries have legalised weed? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Thailand is giving away 1 million cannabis plants

In what is being deemed as a "life-saving" therapy, children in the UK with a rare and fatal genetic disease will now be able to receive treatment. This came after the NHS struck a deal that allows the treatment using the "most expensive drug."

Called Libmeldy, the treatment has a list price of more than £2.8 million. However, now it can be offered to children after the health service in the UK negotiated a confidential discount.

The treatment is available to a few babies and young children who have metachromatic leukodystrophy. The disorder damages a child’s nervous system and organs.&nbsp;

According to a report by the Guardian, the patients experience a progressive disability that is very similar to that caused by multiple sclerosis.&nbsp;

The symptoms include spasticity, seizures and difficulty talking, swallowing, hearing and seeing.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-when-bezos-yacht-demands-unexpected-costs-amazon-prime-raises-price-450426">Also read |&nbsp;Just when Bezos’ yacht demands unexpected costs, Amazon Prime raises price</a>

Amanda Pritchard, NHS England’s chief executive, in a report by The Guardian said, "This revolutionary drug is a life-saver for the babies and young children who suffer from this devastating hereditary disorder and will spare their families untold heartache and grief."

“The deal we have struck is just the latest example of NHS England using its commercial capabilities to make good on the NHS Long term Plan commitment to provide patients with cutting-edge treatments and therapies at a price that is fair to taxpayers.”

The children diagnosed with this condition usually live for five to eight years.&nbsp;

NHS England has said that it will make Libmeldy available from this spring after talks with its manufacturer.

(With inputs from agencies)

In what is being deemed as a "life-saving" therapy, children in the UK with a rare and fatal genetic disease will now be able to receive treatment. This came after the NHS struck a deal that allows the treatment using the "most expensive drug.

In what is being deemed as a "life-saving" therapy, children in the UK with a rare and fatal genetic disease will now be able to receive treatment. This came after the NHS struck a deal that allows the treatment using the "most expensive drug." Called Libmeldy, the treatment has a list price of more than £2.8 million. However, now it can be offered to children after the health service in the UK negotiated a confidential discount. The treatment is available to a few babies and young children who have metachromatic leukodystrophy. The disorder damages a child’s nervous system and organs. According to a report by the Guardian, the patients experience a progressive disability that is very similar to that caused by multiple sclerosis. The symptoms include spasticity, seizures and difficulty talking, swallowing, hearing and seeing. Also read | Just when Bezos’ yacht demands unexpected costs, Amazon Prime raises price Amanda Pritchard, NHS England’s chief executive, in a report by The Guardian said, "This revolutionary drug is a life-saver for the babies and young children who suffer from this devastating hereditary disorder and will spare their families untold heartache and grief." “The deal we have struck is just the latest example of NHS England using its commercial capabilities to make good on the NHS Long term Plan commitment to provide patients with cutting-edge treatments and therapies at a price that is fair to taxpayers.” The children diagnosed with this condition usually live for five to eight years. NHS England has said that it will make Libmeldy available from this spring after talks with its manufacturer. (With inputs from agencies)

'Life-saving' therapy: UK children with a rare disease to now get world’s most expensive drug

Thailand is planning to decriminalise marijuana. It was the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalise the drug for medical use and for use in food & cosmetics.

Thailand decides to scrap jail terms and loosen rules around marijuana's usage

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