A growing flow of the Tapentadol drug is flooding West Africa, despite India's pledge to crack down on exports. As use spreads primarily among young people and criminal networks, authorities warn the trade is fueling an opioid crisis.


 Indian Pharma Fuels Africa's 'Zombie Drug' and Opioid Crisis

<p>After Bihar, reports of the “zombie drug” have also emerged in the Mira Bhayandar area of the Thane district in Maharashtra. Eyewitnesses alleged drug use and erratic behaviour, while police stated that the videos are under verification, according to reports. However, WION couldn't verify these videos independently.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Multiple videos emerged on social media, drawing widespread attention. The visuals show individuals appearing sedated and unresponsive near 90ft Road in Bhayandar West. Several media reports indicate that the substance is believed to be Xylazine, an animal drug known to cause extreme levels of lethargy and trance-like behaviour in humans.</p>

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<p>Days ago, a similar disturbing incident emerged in Bihar as a man was seen standing and staggering on a busy road, appearing disoriented. Eyewitnesses stated that the man was standing on the road, appeared confused and detached from his surroundings, struggling to find balance.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;zombie drug&quot; is now being seen in Bihar <a href="https://t.co/tKTrknUEin">pic.twitter.com/tKTrknUEin</a></p>&mdash; ExtraOrdinary (@Extreo_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Extreo_/status/2041783756500169001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Internet reacts to viral video</h3><p>As soon as the video surfaced on social media, the scene sparked concern among netizens. In response, one of the users said,"It's crazy how police can't find dr°g dealers but teenagers can."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The next demanded a police action and said," Local police please take some action. Even outside Jangid Complex circle some folks sell openly drugs every night after 10 pm. Kindly intervene before next gen gets affected beyond repair."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"What else our generation is gonna witness now? Or inko paise kaha se mil rahe hai ye sab ke liye, hamare parents ne to hame pocket money tak nahi di," another said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The next also said, "NCB is yet to confirm officially any such thing in India as an epidemic. And people can be like this for multiple reasons, don't target anyone unnecessarily (I mean sharing pictures or videos of people having some hard time due to unknown reasons to us). I know fear mongering is good for reach but it creates unnecessary panic amongst people."<br>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/gen-alpha-already-know-what-they-do-not-want-marriage-1776244379724">Gen Alpha already know what they DO NOT want, and it's exactly what you think</a></p>

Multiple videos emerged on social media, drawing widespread attention. The visuals show individuals appearing sedated and unresponsive near 90ft Road in Bhayandar West. 

After Bihar, reports of the “zombie drug” have also emerged in the Mira Bhayandar area of the Thane district in Maharashtra. Eyewitnesses alleged drug use and erratic behaviour, while police stated that the videos are under verification, according to reports. However, WION couldn't verify these videos independently. Multiple videos emerged on social media, drawing widespread attention. The visuals show individuals appearing sedated and unresponsive near 90ft Road in Bhayandar West. Several media reports indicate that the substance is believed to be Xylazine, an animal drug known to cause extreme levels of lethargy and trance-like behaviour in humans.

<p>Multiple videos emerged on social media, drawing widespread attention. The visuals show individuals appearing sedated and unresponsive near 90ft Road in Bhayandar West.&nbsp;</p>

WATCH: ‘Zombie Drug’ fear reaches Maharashtra after Bihar; 2 people seen disoriented on road in Mira Bhayandar

<p>After the United States, public health officials in Mexico are sounding the alarm after a recent study discovered the presence of animal tranquillizer xylazine in opioids. Meanwhile, a report by the country’s government, on Friday (Apr 12) also found that it is facing a dire shortage of fentanyl for medical use.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Zombie drug’</strong></h2>

<p>Popularly known as the “tranq dope” or “zombie drug,” xylazine cut into heroin and fentanyl which has worsened the ongoing drug epidemic across various American cities</p>

<p>Notably, the animal tranquillizer was found in the opioids in cities in Mexico’s northwest, which border with the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;'Zombie' drug Xylazine found in cannabis THC vapes in UK</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/zombie-drug-xylazine-found-in-cannabis-thc-vapes-in-uk-709867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The findings have prompted Mexico’s health ministry in conjunction with the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions to issue an alert for health personnel and first responders in the country’s border cities for “possible adulteration of heroin and fentanyl with xylazine.”</p>

<p>Since xylazine is a sedative it does not have the same effects as an opioid but it can make opioid overdose reversal treatments less effective. Therefore, it not only raises the risk of overdose-related deaths but can also cause severe skin abscesses that can be life-threatening.</p>

<p>Out of the 300 samples of drug residues tested in the cities of Tijuana and Mexicali, xylazine was found in 35 residues of heroin mixed with fentanyl and 26 fentanyl residues.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/people-using-cannabis-vapes-in-uk-at-risk-from-zombie-drug-warn-experts-709737">People using cannabis vapes in UK at risk from 'zombie' drug, warn experts</a></strong></p>

<p>It is also worth noting that the study had set out to identify adulterants in drugs and just happened to stumble upon xylazine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We were surprised to find xylazine,” said Clara Fleiz from Mexico’s National Institute of Psychiatry and the study’s lead author, as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>The country’s alarm over xylazine also comes as consumption of fentanyl is reportedly increasing within its borders.</p>

<h2><strong>Mexico is running short of fentanyl</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, Mexico reported yet another drug-related problem, as the country which is the leading producer of illicit fentanyl, can’t get enough for medical use. This is despite Mexican cartels reportedly pumping out tonens of the illicit narcotic.</p>

<p>However, the study by Mexico’s National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions did not give any reason for the shortage of fentanyl, which is needed for anaesthesia in hospitals, but claimed that it is a worldwide problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sierra-leone-addicts-dig-up-graves-to-get-high-from-drug-made-of-human-bones-709339">&nbsp;Sierra Leone: Addicts dig up graves to get high on drug made of human bones</a></strong></p>

<p>The report said that the country had to import fentanyl and the imports fell by more than 50 per cent between 2022 and 2023. However, during this time, seizures of illicit fentanyl rose from 1.24 tonnes (2022) to 1.85 tonnes last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study has also attributed this shortage to the US saying that the “excessive use of opiates in recent decades in the United States has had important repercussions on consumption and supply in Mexico.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, with the lack of availability of morphine and fentanyl, anesthesiologists in Mexico have been forced to acquire their own supplies and even administer multiple doses from a single vial to conserve.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Department of State’s 2023 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report said around 96 per cent of all fentanyl seized originated in Mexico.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


After the United States, public health officials in Mexico are sounding the alarm after a recent study discovered the presence of animal tranquillizer xylazine in opioids.

After the United States, public health officials in Mexico are sounding the alarm after a recent study discovered the presence of animal tranquillizer xylazine in opioids. Meanwhile, a report by the country’s government, on Friday (Apr 12) also found that it is facing a dire shortage of fentanyl for medical use. ‘Zombie drug’ Popularly known as the “tranq dope” or “zombie drug,” xylazine cut into heroin and fentanyl which has worsened the ongoing drug epidemic across various American cities Notably, the animal tranquillizer was found in the opioids in cities in Mexico’s northwest, which border with the US. WATCH | 'Zombie' drug Xylazine found in cannabis THC vapes in UK The findings have prompted Mexico’s health ministry in conjunction with the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions to issue an alert for health personnel and first responders in the country’s border cities for “possible adulteration of heroin and fentanyl with xylazine.” Since xylazine is a sedative it does not have the same effects as an opioid but it can make opioid overdose reversal treatments less effective. Therefore, it not only raises the risk of overdose-related deaths but can also cause severe skin abscesses that can be life-threatening. Out of the 300 samples of drug residues tested in the cities of Tijuana and Mexicali, xylazine was found in 35 residues of heroin mixed with fentanyl and 26 fentanyl residues. Also Read | People using cannabis vapes in UK at risk from 'zombie' drug, warn experts It is also worth noting that the study had set out to identify adulterants in drugs and just happened to stumble upon xylazine. “We were surprised to find xylazine,” said Clara Fleiz from Mexico’s National Institute of Psychiatry and the study’s lead author, as quoted by Reuters. The country’s alarm over xylazine also comes as consumption of fentanyl is reportedly increasing within its borders. Mexico is running short of fentanyl On Friday, Mexico reported yet another drug-related problem, as the country which is the leading producer of illicit fentanyl, can’t get enough for medical use. This is despite Mexican cartels reportedly pumping out tonens of the illicit narcotic. However, the study by Mexico’s National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions did not give any reason for the shortage of fentanyl, which is needed for anaesthesia in hospitals, but claimed that it is a worldwide problem. Also Read | Sierra Leone: Addicts dig up graves to get high on drug made of human bones The report said that the country had to import fentanyl and the imports fell by more than 50 per cent between 2022 and 2023. However, during this time, seizures of illicit fentanyl rose from 1.24 tonnes (2022) to 1.85 tonnes last year. The study has also attributed this shortage to the US saying that the “excessive use of opiates in recent decades in the United States has had important repercussions on consumption and supply in Mexico.” Meanwhile, with the lack of availability of morphine and fentanyl, anesthesiologists in Mexico have been forced to acquire their own supplies and even administer multiple doses from a single vial to conserve. The US Department of State’s 2023 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report said around 96 per cent of all fentanyl seized originated in Mexico. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico raises alarm after study finds ‘zombie’ drug xylazine in opioids

Sierra Leone has declared a national emergency after the 'Zombie Drug' made from human bones has forced addicts to dig up graves. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Drug made from human bones forces addicts to dig up graves in Sierra Leone

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- On WION's X handle- People smoking cannabis vapes in the UK are inhaling a very dangerous substance called Xylazine, some experts have also termed this as a zombie drug. Watch in for more details!

'Zombie' drug Xylazine found in cannabis THC vapes in UK

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- The clips showed the Kensington neighbourhood — regarded as the ‘ground zero’ for the city’s drug crisis —purportedly filled with zombie-like addicts, who can be seen passed out on the streets. The clip was first shared by a user on TokTok, and then on Twitter. The video highlights the alarming drug situation facing the US due to the overuse of Xylazine drug or “tranq”—otherwise also known as the ‘zombie drug’.

Shocking footage shows devastating impact of ‘zombie drug’ epidemic

<p>The scale of ‘tranq’ epidemic infesting the streets of Philadelphia, US, has been revealed through horrific footage of drug addicts shared on social media.</p>

<p>The clips showed the Kensington neighbourhood — regarded as the ‘ground zero’ for the city’s drug crisis —purportedly filled with zombie-like addicts, who can be seen passed out on the streets. The clip was first shared by a user on TokTok, and then on Twitter.</p>

<p>The video highlights the alarming drug situation facing the&nbsp;US due to the overuse of Xylazine drug or “tranq”—otherwise also known as the ‘zombie drug’.</p>

<p>It was initially approved for veterinary use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but gradually was discovered in fentanyl, heroin and other illicit drugs to enhance its sedative effects, according to the reports.</p>

<h2><strong>Emerging threat</strong></h2>

<p>The drug is so potent that the White House recently declared it an “emerging threat”.</p>

<p>In a statement last month, Philadelphia health officials said that the city has been massively impacted by the epidemic.</p>

<p>“Xylazine has hit Philadelphia particularly hard, causing increased overdose deaths as well as severe wounds that can lead to sepsis and amputation,” the Philadelphia Department of Health and Board of Health said, according to New York Post outlet.</p>

<p>“As a result, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has been working closely with partners across the city to address this new aspect of the drug overdose epidemic.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Disturbing New Footage Surfaces of Philadelphia's "Tranq" a new Zombie 🧟‍♀️ Drug 💊 epidemic, Pray for Philly 🙏🏾💔<br />
<a href="https://t.co/xTmGWExBVo">pic.twitter.com/xTmGWExBVo</a></p>
— Raphousetv (RHTV) (@raphousetv2) <a href="https://twitter.com/raphousetv2/status/1662804556953317376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>At the centre of this crisis is District Attorney Larry Krasner, who is being blamed for failing to clamp&nbsp;down on the drug situation.</p>

<p>His failure to handle crimes and drug crisis led to his impeachment in 2022 for 'dereliction of duty', however, his impeachment trial was postponed indefinitely.</p>

<p>Xylazine, a non-opioid, is considered not fit for humans because an overdose prevents one from responding to naloxone, or Narcan—the most used overdose reversal treatment.</p>

<p>The drug can be consumed in a number of ways as it is mixed with other substances to enhance its psychedelic effects.</p>

<p>Users are seen smoking, snorting, injecting, swallowing and inhaling the drug, with some even seen injecting it between the toes of their feet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The effects of the drug appear very similar to that of an overdose, as victims suffer from an uncontrolled stupor of sedation, slowed breathing and unconsciousness.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The scale of ‘tranq’ epidemic infesting the streets of Philadelphia, US, has been revealed through horrific footage of drug addicts shared on social media. The clips showed the Kensington neighbourhood — regarded as the ‘ground zero’ for the city’s drug crisis —purportedly filled with zombie-like addicts, who can be seen passed out on the streets.

The scale of ‘tranq’ epidemic infesting the streets of Philadelphia, US, has been revealed through horrific footage of drug addicts shared on social media. The clips showed the Kensington neighbourhood — regarded as the ‘ground zero’ for the city’s drug crisis —purportedly filled with zombie-like addicts, who can be seen passed out on the streets. The clip was first shared by a user on TokTok, and then on Twitter. The video highlights the alarming drug situation facing the US due to the overuse of Xylazine drug or “tranq”—otherwise also known as the ‘zombie drug’. It was initially approved for veterinary use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but gradually was discovered in fentanyl, heroin and other illicit drugs to enhance its sedative effects, according to the reports. Emerging threat The drug is so potent that the White House recently declared it an “emerging threat”. In a statement last month, Philadelphia health officials said that the city has been massively impacted by the epidemic. “Xylazine has hit Philadelphia particularly hard, causing increased overdose deaths as well as severe wounds that can lead to sepsis and amputation,” the Philadelphia Department of Health and Board of Health said, according to New York Post outlet. “As a result, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has been working closely with partners across the city to address this new aspect of the drug overdose epidemic.” Disturbing New Footage Surfaces of Philadelphia's "Tranq" a new Zombie 🧟‍♀️ Drug 💊 epidemic, Pray for Philly 🙏🏾💔 pic.twitter.com/xTmGWExBVo — Raphousetv (RHTV) (@raphousetv2) May 28, 2023 × At the centre of this crisis is District Attorney Larry Krasner, who is being blamed for failing to clamp down on the drug situation. His failure to handle crimes and drug crisis led to his impeachment in 2022 for 'dereliction of duty', however, his impeachment trial was postponed indefinitely. Xylazine, a non-opioid, is considered not fit for humans because an overdose prevents one from responding to naloxone, or Narcan—the most used overdose reversal treatment. The drug can be consumed in a number of ways as it is mixed with other substances to enhance its psychedelic effects. Users are seen smoking, snorting, injecting, swallowing and inhaling the drug, with some even seen injecting it between the toes of their feet. The effects of the drug appear very similar to that of an overdose, as victims suffer from an uncontrolled stupor of sedation, slowed breathing and unconsciousness. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Inside Philadelphia’s hellhole: Shocking footage shows devastating impact of ‘zombie drug’ epidemic

A few months back, a terrifying new 'zombie' drug ravaged cities across the United States. Doctors were perplexed by a new medication that was being sold on the streets. Xylazine, a “flesh-eating” drug turns the users into zombie-like beings. Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ drug that has ravaged US cities reaches the UK.

Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ drug that has ravaged US cities reaches the UK

Flesh-eating zombie drug Xylazine that has devastated US takes first life in UK. But could this just be the tip of the iceberg of the zombie drug overdose? What is this flesh-eating drug? Why is it called the Zombie drug? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Beware of the flesh-eating Zombie drug

<p>A horrific new 'zombie' drug that has devastated cities throughout the United States has been discovered in the United Kingdom and has claimed the life of a British factory&nbsp;worker.</p>

<p>Karl Warburton, 43, died in May from the effects of xylazine coupled with other narcotics&nbsp;such as heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, reported Daily Mail.</p>

<p>The West Midlands man died of acute aspiration pneumonitis, a disease commonly caused by breathing pollutants.&nbsp;However, xylazine was recorded as a contributing factor in&nbsp;Warburton's death certificate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The technically&nbsp;legal animal tranquilizer "tranq" is frequently used to cut cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl dependence. As it grows in popularity in the illegal drug market, contributing to an increasing number of overdose deaths, states in the United States are increasingly attempting to restrict access to it.</p>

<p>The substance enforcement administration and health authorities have issued cautions against using the substance. While the problem is most visible in Los Angeles, Canadian officials have also warned that tranq is making its way onto their&nbsp;streets.</p>

<p><strong>Here's everything you need to know about tranq, including why it's referred to as a flesh-eating zombie medicine and how the United States is&nbsp;trying to regulate it.</strong></p>

<h2><strong>What is Xylazine?</strong></h2>

<p>Xylazine is a veterinary medication that is licenced for use as a sedative in large&nbsp;animals. Rompun and Anased are two of its brand names. It is sometimes referred to as a "horse tranquilizer."</p>

<p>It needs a veterinarian licence to buy and use, but it is rapidly appearing in Canada's illicit drug supply, frequently without the user's awareness. Other medicines are cut with xylazine since it is an inexpensive filler that can improve opioid potency.</p>

<h2><strong>What effect does tranq have on people?</strong></h2>

<p>In humans, xylazine has sedative properties. It alleviates pain, lowers brain activity, and has the potential to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.</p>

<p>People who use xylazine may develop open sores anywhere on their body. These wounds can result in hospitalisation, necrosis (rotting tissue), and even amputation, which is why it is referred to as a zombie drug.</p>

<p>The drug's wounds look to be "eating away your flesh from the inside out," according to nurses who spoke to Stat News.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: What is the 'Zombie drug'?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-the-zombie-drug-565661/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Overdoes are also more likely with drugs like fentanyl that have been cut with xylazine. According to Health Canada, xylazine can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, and hypotension in humans, which are comparable to opioid withdrawal symptoms.</p>

<p>“When combined with opioids like fentanyl, as is frequently the case, xylazine enhances the life-threatening effect of respiratory depression (slowing or stopping breathing) caused by opioids, increasing the risk of overdose and death,” according to&nbsp;Los Angeles public health officials, as reported by the National Post.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fentanyl-blend-with-xylazine-the-vet-medicine-causes-havoc-in-us-hot-drug-zones-551423">Fentanyl blend with xylazine, the vet medicine, causes havoc in US hot drug zones</a></p>

<p>Unlike fentanyl, no medication or antidote is available to reverse xylazine overdose, like naloxone does for opioids. Experts still recommend that naxolone be administered in the event of a xylazine overdose if opioids are present.</p>

<p>“Tranq is basically zombifying people’s bodies,” 28-year-old Sam told Sky News. “Until nine months ago, I never had wounds. Now, there are holes in my legs and feet.”</p>

<p>The New York City Department of Health said that 2,668 individuals in New York died in 2021 as a result of xylazine overdoses, and experts worry that the medication might exacerbate the country's current drug pandemic.</p>

<h2><strong>How are US&nbsp;states responding?</strong></h2>

<p>Many states in the United States have implemented different measures to limit the spread of the substance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pennsylvania has added xylazine to its list of banned substances in an effort to strengthen drug restrictions and empower police to prosecute individuals who break them.</p>

<p>“We are giving greater tools to law enforcement and others to properly regulate, control and contain these drugs, make arrests and hopefully prosecutions,” Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a news conference in Philadelphia.</p>

<p>Ohio's Republican governor signed an executive order banning xylazine through the state's Board of Pharmacy in March, while West Virginia's Republican governor signed legislation making it a restricted substance.</p>

<p>The designations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia enable veterinarians to continue using the medicine to sedate animals, but they impose stricter requirements on how the drug must be handled, recorded, and kept.</p>

<p>“Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said Anne Milgram, DEA Administrator, who spoke to the National host.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23 per cent of fentanyl powder and seven per cent of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine,” she added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Does naloxone work on xylazine overdoses?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Xylazine does not react to naloxone, but that doesn't imply the opioid-reversing medicine can't be useful if a bystander witnesses an overdose, according to specialists, because xylazine is used in combination with opioids that will react to naloxone. While xylazine has been found in fatal overdoses, it is unknown how much the sedative had a role in the person's death because it is taken in combination with heavier opioids.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Claire Zagorski, a chemist, paramedic and translational scientist in Austin, Texas who spoke to CBS News said&nbsp;that administering naloxone to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose would not harm them, hence it is preferable for a bystander to do so if feasible.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


A horrific new 'zombie' drug that has devastated cities throughout the United States has been discovered in the United Kingdom and has claimed the life of a British factory worker.

A horrific new 'zombie' drug that has devastated cities throughout the United States has been discovered in the United Kingdom and has claimed the life of a British factory worker. Karl Warburton, 43, died in May from the effects of xylazine coupled with other narcotics such as heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, reported Daily Mail. The West Midlands man died of acute aspiration pneumonitis, a disease commonly caused by breathing pollutants. However, xylazine was recorded as a contributing factor in Warburton's death certificate. The technically legal animal tranquilizer "tranq" is frequently used to cut cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl dependence. As it grows in popularity in the illegal drug market, contributing to an increasing number of overdose deaths, states in the United States are increasingly attempting to restrict access to it. The substance enforcement administration and health authorities have issued cautions against using the substance. While the problem is most visible in Los Angeles, Canadian officials have also warned that tranq is making its way onto their streets. Here's everything you need to know about tranq, including why it's referred to as a flesh-eating zombie medicine and how the United States is trying to regulate it. What is Xylazine? Xylazine is a veterinary medication that is licenced for use as a sedative in large animals. Rompun and Anased are two of its brand names. It is sometimes referred to as a "horse tranquilizer." It needs a veterinarian licence to buy and use, but it is rapidly appearing in Canada's illicit drug supply, frequently without the user's awareness. Other medicines are cut with xylazine since it is an inexpensive filler that can improve opioid potency. What effect does tranq have on people? In humans, xylazine has sedative properties. It alleviates pain, lowers brain activity, and has the potential to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. People who use xylazine may develop open sores anywhere on their body. These wounds can result in hospitalisation, necrosis (rotting tissue), and even amputation, which is why it is referred to as a zombie drug. The drug's wounds look to be "eating away your flesh from the inside out," according to nurses who spoke to Stat News. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: What is the 'Zombie drug'? Overdoes are also more likely with drugs like fentanyl that have been cut with xylazine. According to Health Canada, xylazine can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, and hypotension in humans, which are comparable to opioid withdrawal symptoms. “When combined with opioids like fentanyl, as is frequently the case, xylazine enhances the life-threatening effect of respiratory depression (slowing or stopping breathing) caused by opioids, increasing the risk of overdose and death,” according to Los Angeles public health officials, as reported by the National Post. ALSO READ | Fentanyl blend with xylazine, the vet medicine, causes havoc in US hot drug zones Unlike fentanyl, no medication or antidote is available to reverse xylazine overdose, like naloxone does for opioids. Experts still recommend that naxolone be administered in the event of a xylazine overdose if opioids are present. “Tranq is basically zombifying people’s bodies,” 28-year-old Sam told Sky News. “Until nine months ago, I never had wounds. Now, there are holes in my legs and feet.” The New York City Department of Health said that 2,668 individuals in New York died in 2021 as a result of xylazine overdoses, and experts worry that the medication might exacerbate the country's current drug pandemic. How are US states responding? Many states in the United States have implemented different measures to limit the spread of the substance. Pennsylvania has added xylazine to its list of banned substances in an effort to strengthen drug restrictions and empower police to prosecute individuals who break them. “We are giving greater tools to law enforcement and others to properly regulate, control and contain these drugs, make arrests and hopefully prosecutions,” Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a news conference in Philadelphia. Ohio's Republican governor signed an executive order banning xylazine through the state's Board of Pharmacy in March, while West Virginia's Republican governor signed legislation making it a restricted substance. The designations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia enable veterinarians to continue using the medicine to sedate animals, but they impose stricter requirements on how the drug must be handled, recorded, and kept. “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said Anne Milgram, DEA Administrator, who spoke to the National host. “DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23 per cent of fentanyl powder and seven per cent of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine,” she added. Does naloxone work on xylazine overdoses? Xylazine does not react to naloxone, but that doesn't imply the opioid-reversing medicine can't be useful if a bystander witnesses an overdose, according to specialists, because xylazine is used in combination with opioids that will react to naloxone. While xylazine has been found in fatal overdoses, it is unknown how much the sedative had a role in the person's death because it is taken in combination with heavier opioids. Claire Zagorski, a chemist, paramedic and translational scientist in Austin, Texas who spoke to CBS News said that administering naloxone to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose would not harm them, hence it is preferable for a bystander to do so if feasible. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: What is Xylazine? Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ medicine fuelling overdose deaths across US

A 'Zombie drug' is wreaking havoc in the United States. Why is it called the 'Zombie drug'? Why is it causing concern? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: What is the 'Zombie drug'?

zombie-drug

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