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The deadly new drugs making Scotland's fight against addiction even harder
Efforts to bring down Scotland's sky-high rate of drug deaths are being frustrated by the arrival of hundreds of powerful new synthetic substances that experts warn are making the deadly drugs crisis even more dangerous.
In the past three years, there has been an explosion in the supply of new synthetic cannabinoids and opioids, transforming the illicit drugs trade and increasing the risk of fatal overdoses.
Annual figures to be released on Wednesday are expected to show a rise in the number of drug-related deaths in Scotland, which already has an unenviable record as the drugs death capital of Europe.
Experts warn of new 'zombie drug' dubbed 'rhino tranq' sweeping Scotland's streets
The new drug has been sweeping the country, experts have warned(Image: Getty Images)
A new street drug nicknamed “rhino tranq” is sweeping Scotland's streets. Medetomidine – a strong veterinary sedative normally used to knock out large animals before surgery – is increasingly being detected in illicit drugs, experts have warned.
The Sunday Mail reports that the “zombie drug” is being cut into street heroin and valium and can cause stronger overdoses, blackout stupors, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and severe skin damage.
Concerning evidence has also emerged of “rhino tranq” being used as a date rape drug.
In July, Public Health Scotland’s RADAR drugs report warned medetomidine was detected in a fifth of heroin samples from Scotland tested between March and June.
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Urgent warning over lethal new ‘zombie rhino drug’ uncovered in Scots cities
EXPERTS have warned of a lethal new “zombie rhino drug” that is sweeping Scotland’s streets.
Medetomidine, a highly potent sedative usually used to knock out big animals before surgery, is increasingly showing up in street drugs like heroin and street valium.
Alarmingly, activists say it is also being used as a date-rape drug, to knock out victims and leave them with no memory of the sick abuse they have suffered.
The “zombie drug” can also cause more intense overdoses, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and severe skin damage.
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