The British government announced Wednesday it will pass legislation to control 16 drugs that were not previously regulated. Among these substances is xylazine, a controversial veterinary medication colloquially known as a “zombie drug” due to its severe side effects, including exhaustion and resistant skin lesions. Xylazine is particularly problematic because it is often used as an adulterant in other drugs, exacerbating its potentially harmful effects.
Caroline Copeland, the director of the National Programme on Substance Use Mortality and a senior lecturer in Pharmacology and Toxicology at King’s College London, emphasized the dangers associated with the substance, stating that xylazine is a “potent synthetic drug” that poses significant public health risks. The UK government’s decision was heavily influenced by a detailed report from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, which noted that, although there is little evidence of individuals actively seeking xylazine, it is frequently used to prolong the sedative effects of other drugs.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson explained the rationale behind the new legislation, which aims to preemptively tackle the emergence of these harmful substances. The minister remarked, “We have seen what has happened in other countries when the use of these drugs is allowed to grow out of control.” She noted that criminals involved in the production and distribution of these substances would “face the full force of the law,” with penalties that could include life in prison or unlimited fines. The changes will also streamline efforts to curb suppliers who attempt to evade existing controls.
Additionally, the legislation will classify xylazine and five other substances as class A drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, underscoring the seriousness with which the UK government is approaching this issue. This move aligns with concerns voiced by the White House about xylazine, particularly in conjunction with fentanyl, which has been labeled an emerging threat in the United States.
For more details, you can read the full announcement here.