Man’s Death in UK Linked to “Zombie Drug” Xylazine.
London, UK – The first death associated with the use of the “zombie drug” Xylazine has been reported in the United Kingdom.
The drug, commonly referred to as “tranq” and primarily used as a tranquilizer for cows and horses, has gained notoriety in the illicit drug market in the United States. Now, it has been revealed that Xylazine was detected in the body of Karl Warburton, a 43-year-old man from Solihull, West Midlands, who tragically passed away in May 2022.
The case raises concerns about the entry of Xylazine into the UK’s drug supply.
According to a report by the BBC, Karl Warburton had a history of drug abuse, and his death was linked to a combination of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and Xylazine.
The coroner’s report indicated that the man likely purchased heroin unknowingly laced with Xylazine and fentanyl, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue of drug contamination in the illicit market.
The Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine published a report on Karl Warburton’s death, noting that it is the first documented fatality associated with Xylazine use in the UK and even in Europe. The report highlights the concerning entry of Xylazine into the country’s drug supply.
Dr. Caroline Copeland, a lecturer at King’s College London and director of the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths, expressed the need to investigate how the deceased individual came into contact with Xylazine.
The use of Xylazine poses severe risks, as individuals who consume the drug can develop sores or even face the possibility of limb loss. However, due to the drug not being included in standard drug screens in the UK, the extent of its prevalence remains uncertain, as highlighted by Dr. Copeland.
The toxicology report conducted on Karl Warburton’s body revealed the presence of multiple drugs. In both his blood and urine, eight different substances were detected, with an additional three drugs found solely in the urine sample. The combination of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and Xylazine in his system indicated a drug mixture that was likely injected.
The tragic death of Karl Warburton serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illicit drugs and the potential risks posed by the introduction of new substances into the market.
Health experts and authorities in the UK are now faced with the challenge of investigating the source and distribution of Xylazine within the country’s drug supply chain, aiming to prevent further harm and loss of life.
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