xylazine, a deadly flesh eating drug kills 11; infiltrates UK drugs market

A deadly flesh-eating drug known as xylazine, previously prevalent in the United States, has now infiltrated the UK drugs market, leading to at least 11 deaths. Xylazine, categorized as an "emerging threat" by the White House, induces excruciating necrotic sores and carries a high risk of fatal overdose.

Originating from America, where it is often combined with fentanyl to enhance the euphoric effects desired by heroin users, xylazine's spread across the Atlantic has become evident with its identification in 16 individuals in the UK, linked to the aforementioned fatalities.

The first casualty on British soil, 43-year-old Karl Warburton from Solihull, West Midlands, succumbed to an overdose in May 2022.

Investigations indicate that xylazine has infiltrated various illicit substances in the UK, including cocaine, counterfeit codeine, diazepam (Valium) tablets, and THC cannabis vapes.

The emergence of this toxic substance has spurred urgent calls for enhanced testing protocols and increased investment in drug treatment initiatives to prevent a potential public health crisis similar to the one experienced in the US.

In the US, the drug is commonly referred to as "tranq" or "tranq dope" and has been associated with a significant proportion of drug-related deaths, notably in regions like Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Xylazine, primarily used by veterinarians to tranquilize large animals, poses serious health risks to humans, including dangerously lowered heart and respiratory rates and the development of debilitating skin ulcers, often requiring limb amputations.

This troubling development follows escalating concerns over the proliferation of potent synthetic opioids, including nitazenes, which have claimed 100 lives in the UK.

In response to mounting apprehensions, the government has pledged decisive action, intending to reclassify xylazine as a class-C drug, subjecting it to stringent penalties for supply.