‘Zombie drugs’ not fentanyl, Nacada says after viral video
By K24 Editorial, September 8, 2023When a viral video of intoxicated people seemingly suffering from drug and substance abuse hit social media, first responders immediately suspected “fentanyl,” a synthetic opioid intended to help patients, such as those with cancer, manage severe pain.
However, a report by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse(Nacada) has dismissed the suspicions and revealed that the drug which netizens described as causing “zombielike,” symptoms was yet to be confirmed.
John Muteti, NACADA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer said an analysis of the drug samples by the Government Chemist indicates that, currently, there are zero cases of fentanyl reported in the country.
“First, during the fact-finding mission, twenty (20) samples in various forms were collected in three (3) counties of the Coast region and handed over to the Government Chemist for analysis and identification. From the findings, we can comfortably report that so far we do not have any reported Fentanyl cases in the country, ” Muteti stated.
Adding;
“Our diligent efforts, in collaboration with our partners and the Government Chemist, have yielded valuable insights into this matter. The absence of fentanyl in these samples is an encouraging development for our nation’s wellbeing.”
While there is limited information available about the drug, Nacada said preliminary findings discovered that the zombie-like symptoms among drug users could have been caused by a combination of other drugs.
These include; a combination of high dosages of heroin, prescription drugs especially Diazepam and Amitriptyline, methadone with heroin, or a combination of heroin and Xylazine, which is a veterinary animal tranquillizer.