Researchers have warned the UK is facing a “public health threat” after a powerful sedative known as “tranq dope,” which is known to cause “horrific side effects,” has entered the British illegal drugs market.
A study published in the journal Addiction on Tuesday has warned that xylazine, a non-opioid animal sedative whose use has spread rapidly in the United States, was detected in 35 cases across Britain by the end of August 2023, with researchers suggesting that use is probably more widespread than current findings indicate.
Researchers, led by academics from King’s College London, warned that combining xylazine with opioids like fentanyl or heroin “increases risk of mortality due to airway compromise.” They added that as a “potent vasoconstrictor,” chronic use may lead to the development of skin ulcers, which, if they become infected, “can lead to limb amputation.” It can also “dangerously” lower breathing and heart rates.
Xylazine has been dubbed “tranq” or “tranq dope” when mixed with opioids, but the drug has found its way into counterfeit prescription tablets such as codeine and diazepam (Valium), cocaine, and even THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) vapes.
Senior author Caroline Copeland, from King’s College London, said on Wednesday: “We now know that xylazine has penetrated the UK’s illicit drug market. This is cause for alarm as a much wider population of people who use drugs beyond heroin users will be exposed to its harms.”
Dangers Should Not Be Underestimated
Researchers collated data from toxicology labs and drug-testing and drug seizure sources, detecting 35 cases in England, Scotland, and Wales, but no cases were reported in Northern Ireland. Of the total 35 cases, 11 were from summer 2023 alone.
They found the presence of xylazine in 16 people, in which 11 cases were where the people had died. In three of the fatal cases, xylazine was implicated as a cause of death in combination with other drugs.
The report said that while it was not possible to comment on whether xylazine was implicated in the other eight fatalities, the drug has a short half-life of 23–50 minutes, suggesting it is more difficult to detect as a residual artefact in drug use.
‘Skin-Rotting Zombie Drug’
Research by the Food and Drug Administration says xylazine is prevalent in 7 percent of overdoses across the United States and in some states it is blamed for up to 26 percent of all deaths.Mr. Schumer said, “It’s a deadly, skin-rotting zombie drug that evil drug dealers are now mixing with fentanyl, with heroin, and with other drugs.”
‘Public Health Threat’
“This public health threat is a growing concern for the UK,” Ms. Copeland warned, calling for the UK to introduce measures to prevent an “epidemic” of xylazine use similar to that seen in the United States.Ms. Copeland said health care providers should also be made aware that chronic skin ulcers could be a sign of xylazine use. Pathologists and coroners should request toxicology testing for the drug in relevant cases, in order to better understand how widely xylazine is being used. She also recommended making available cheap xylazine testing strips.
A government spokesperson said: “We are aware of the threat from xylazine and are determined to protect people from the threat posed by this drug and other illicit synthetic drugs.
“We will not hesitate to act to keep the public safe. Following advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), we intend to make xylazine a Class C drug meaning anyone supplying this substance will face up to 14 years in prison, a fine, or both.”
