What Is "Zombie Drug" Gripping The UK?

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10 April 2024

The spread of flesh-eating "zombie drug" xylazine, which is sweeping the US, has alarmed the researchers in Britain

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Tranq, as it is known otherwise, is called "zombie drug" because wounds can spread over a person's arms and legs, causing the skin to rot

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The drug has killed at least 11 people in the UK and penetrated the illegal drugs market there

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It was first linked to a UK death during a post-mortem of Karl Warburton, found dead at his home in Solihull in May 2022

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In most cases, the tranquilliser is mixed or "cut" with strong opioids such as heroin or fentanyl by dealers

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They do this to lower their costs and increase demand, according to a report in Sky News

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Users told the outlet that mix increases their addiction of the "flesh-eating" drug

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Xylazine has also been discovered in counterfeit prescription medication tablets, vapes and cocaine

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In the hands of vets, it is a commonly used tranquilliser, often mixed with ketamine to sedate animals

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As a non-opioid sedative, it is able to inhibit the transmission of brain impulses to the central nervous system

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