Monkey Dust Epidemic: This Dangerous Drug Is Causing Violent Behaviour Among Users in the UK
In America, a series of 'face-eating attacks' has been blamed on this 'Zombie Dust'.
A new street drug has caused panic among people in the United States. Reportedly, the drug 'turns users into the Incredible Hulk'. While earlier there were reports of people resorting to violent behaviour after using it in the United States, the drug seems to have reached the markets in the United Kingdom. Known as 'Monkey Dust' it is available at Rs 175 in the UK. In America, a series of 'face-eating attacks' has been blamed on this 'Zombie Dust'.
The drug stops the user from feeling pain, causes severe paranoia and hallucinations. Also known as 'Cannibal Dust', it can also cause hypothermia by rising body temperatures. Sky News quoted PC Rich Frost, a police response officer in Stoke-on-Trent as saying that the drug gives a user incredible strength. He said, "When you are trying to restrain them it's like you are dealing with someone who thinks they are the Incredible Hulk, the strength is unbelievable."
While the synthetic drug came in the UK two years ago, its popularity rose this summer. The drug makes user smell in a peculiar way and causes lesions on their skin. West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has recorded 170 incidents of Monkey Dust since April, with most cases coming from North Staffordshire. Now, it has almost become an epidemic in Stoke-on-Trent. Earlier this year police had issued a warning in Worcestershire with an increasing number of cases related to it.
Detective Chief Inspector Carl Moore said, "It completely distorts reality for the user and they often have no recollection of their actions while under the influence. We are urging the public not to be tempted to take any illegal drugs - you don't know what they are made of, where they have come from or what effects they may have on you."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2018 08:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).