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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