The United Kingdom announced on Wednesday the ban on more than 20 “dangerous substances” including xylazine, an anesthetic for veterinary use which, associated with opioids, has been wreaking havoc for several years in the United States.
“I am concerned about the growing presence of these drugs on the streets of the United Kingdom,” said the Secretary of State for Policing, Diana Johnson, quoted in a press release. “Synthetic drugs wreak havoc wherever they are found,” she added.
Since June 2023, there have been at least 400 deaths in the UK linked to nitazenes and “this figure is expected to increase in the coming years”, according to the statement. In total, 22 molecules, which can be “hundreds of times more powerful than heroin”, are banned by the new legislation. This will make it possible to sentence dealers to heavier sentences.
Xylazine, which is “increasingly used in combination with opioids such as heroin,” is now banned.
This anesthetic intended for dogs, cats, horses and cattle has been diverted for several years, particularly in the United States, to be associated with fentanyl, a very powerful opiate. The mixture, called “tranq” or “zombie drug,” causes impressive skin lesions and fatal overdoses in users.
The UK is training border control dogs to detect nitazene and fentanyl, to prevent these substances from entering the country.
Members of the police force are trained to administer naloxone, a medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdose.
Six of the 22 substances are classified in category A (with cocaine, heroin or LSD). Anyone producing or supplying these products can now be sentenced to life in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
Xylazine is now classified as Category C. Production or supply of Category C drugs can be punishable by a fine and up to 14 years in prison.
