By Grace Q. Bryant
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), says the new drug that has made its way into Liberia is more dangerous than Kush.
According to LDEA Director General, Abraham Kromah, the new variety of drug substance identified as ‘Zombie’ has been discovered in Liberia, and that the LDEA is investigating to find the origin of the drug.
Making the disclosure to reporters over the weekend, Director Kromah said the new drug was discovered and confiscated by a team of LDEA officers in the commercial hub of Red-light in Paynesville City.
Zombie, also known as Xylazine, causes the user to nod off in the first 20 to 30 minutes after use, after which they will be deeply numb for several hours.
In an atmosphere of drug abuse, this puts the user in significant danger from the people around them as they are unable to defend themselves.
Even if left undisturbed, pressure sores and other complications can arise from lying in a single position for hours on end.
According to research, death can occur at any moment for an unconscious individual under its effects. Zombie (Xylazine) causes severe depression in the normal functioning of our central nervous system, meaning people relax to such a degree that they will choke to death on their tongue without realizing it.
People also suffocate in their vomit without receiving any signals of distress to move or wake up, like they would have done under the effects of a less potent drug.
Research continued that skin wounds are also commonly occurring in people who use xylazine, both intravenously and otherwise. It is not yet understood why persistent skin wounds occur for people no matter their avenue of ingestion, but it is certainly a worrying unknown.
LDEA Director General, Abraham Kromah, issued a warning to the public, emphasizing the heightened threat posed by this potent substance compared to the infamous “Kush”.
Describing the nature of the new drug, Kromah emphasized its alarming potency, surpassing even the notorious effects of Kush on society.
He underscored the urgent need for thorough investigations into the origins and distribution channels of Zombie, to stem its proliferation and safeguard public health.
The emergence of Zombie underscores the evolving landscape of narcotics trafficking and consumption in Liberia, posing unprecedented challenges for law enforcement and public health authorities alike.
The LDEA says it remains vigilant in its commitment to root out the menace of illicit drugs, leveraging intelligence-gathering efforts and strategic partnerships to confront this emerging threat head-on.
As the nation grapples with the specter of zombies, Kromah urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the collective responsibility of safeguarding communities against the perils of drug abuse and trafficking.
The discovery of “Zombie” serves as a sobering reminder of the ever-present dangers posed by illicit substances, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance and concerted action to protect the well-being of Liberian citizens.
