Zombie Drug Linked to 11 Deaths in UK Sparks Concern

Researchers and healthcare professionals call for action as the powerful animal tranquilizer xylazine, known as 'tranq', penetrates the UK's illegal drug market.

The flesh-eating 'zombie drug' xylazine, originally used as an animal tranquilizer, has been linked to 11 deaths in Britain, raising concerns among researchers and healthcare professionals.
Xylazine, also known as 'tranq' or 'tranq dope', is causing major problems in the US, with a 35% increase in overdoses since 2021 and is now penetrating the UK's illegal drug market.
Researchers from King's College London found xylazine in samples from 16 people in the UK, 11 of whom had died, highlighting its spread beyond heroin users to a wider population of drug users.
Healthcare workers are urged to test for xylazine, especially in cases of skin ulcers, as the drug is mixed with opioids like heroin and fentanyl, as well as stimulants like cocaine, and even found in cannabis vapes.
The UK government is considering classifying xylazine as a Class C drug, following advice from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, to combat the growing public health threat.