The recent death of a 43-year-old man in the UK has been attributed to xylazine, a drug commonly known as the “zombie” drug. Typically used as a tranquilizer for large animals, xylazine has now made its way into heroin, causing serious concerns over overdoses in the United States.
Although primarily utilized by veterinarians, xylazine has become a distressing issue in the illicit drug market. Its consumption can lead to dangerously low heart rates and the development of large open skin wounds.
Experts in the UK describe the presence of xylazine as “a really concerning drug.” They emphasize the importance of warning drug users about its availability in the UK, highlighting the fact that there is no safe dosage for humans.
The tragic case involved Karl Warburton from Solihull, West Midlands, who passed away in May 2022 at his residence. The coroner’s report revealed his history of illicit drug use, and subsequent examination of his body confirmed the presence of xylazine, along with heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. It is believed that Warburton unknowingly purchased heroin that was laced with xylazine and fentanyl.
The Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine published a report on his death, stating that it is the first reported fatality associated with xylazine use in the UK and even in Europe. This signifies the introduction of xylazine into the UK’s drug supply.
Xylazine, when mixed with heroin and fentanyl by drug dealers, is referred to as “tranq” or “tranq dope.” Its usage has created significant problems in the United States. Direct injection of xylazine into the bloodstream can result in the formation of large open skin ulcers, which can deteriorate and necessitate amputation. Additionally, it significantly reduces breathing and heart rates to dangerously low levels, earning it the chilling moniker of a “flesh-eating zombie drug.”
Xylazine emerged in the illicit drug market in Puerto Rico during the early 2000s and has since been detected in the US, predominantly in the eastern regions, as well as in Canada. The US government has recognized it as “an emerging threat” due to its increasing role in fatal overdoses across the country, accounting for approximately 7% of all overdose cases. In some states, xylazine was found in over a quarter of overdose incidents.
The detection of xylazine in the UK was possible only because the Birmingham laboratory conducting the tests following the man’s death observed unusual results and identified the presence of xylazine.
Dr. Caroline Copeland, a lecturer at King’s College London and the director of the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths, expressed concern regarding the lack of inclusion of xylazine in standard drug screenings in the UK. The extent of the xylazine problem remains unknown, and it is crucial to investigate how individuals end up with the drug in their systems.
Although xylazine was listed as a contributing factor in the man’s death certificate, there is currently no method of recording it in the UK drug-deaths database. The report underscores the necessity of monitoring changes in illicit drug markets and emerging drugs.
In conclusion, due to the overlapping fatal and non-fatal doses of xylazine reported in individuals, the report emphasizes that there is no safe dosage for its usage. The emergence of xylazine poses a significant threat, necessitating increased awareness and proactive measures to combat its spread and protect vulnerable individuals from its devastating effects.
