Growing Xylazine threat as an emerging adulterant in illicit drugs

Arslan Z., Bulut C., Türkmen Z.

5th Regional TIAFT Meeting, Diyarbakır, Türkiye, 9 - 11 Ekim 2024, ss.4, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Diyarbakır
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.4
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet

Özet

Growing Xylazine threat as an emerging adulterant in illicit drugs

Zeynep Arslan, Cenk Bulut, Zeynep Türkmen

Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, The Institute of Forensic Sciences and Legal Medicine,

Department of Science, Istanbul, Türkiye

Abstract

Xylazine approved for veterinary use, has opiate effects and acts quickly, although not part of the opioid group. Its use in humans causes a variety of side effects as well as potentially unique syndromes associated with dependence and withdrawal. It is popularly known as the “zombie drug”, especially because of the wounds it causes on human skin. Xylazine is abused as a doping substance, in drug-facilitated crimes, and as a source of accidental or intentional poisonings.  It has gained popularity as a recreational drug, especially in the last decade. Studies show that the use of xylazine as an additive to illicit substances (ketamine, fentanyl, etc.) is increasing rapidly and underlines the great danger. Xylazine has been implicated as a cause or contributing cause of death in many cases, both alone and in combination with other drugs. In addition, the introduction of new additives like Xylazine complicates toxicological tests, public health protection, substance use reduction, and diagnosis and treatment.

This study aims to develop a simultaneous liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of xylazine and illicit substances reported in the literature to be adulterated with xylazine. The developed method was successfully validated, with all results falling within acceptable limits. The validated method was also tested in human urine samples with Xylazine, confirming its reliability. While the xylazine crisis continues at full speed in the world, necessary measures should be taken in our country before it reaches unpreventable dimensions. Accordingly, this study may provide helpful information for routine analysis of drug forms and urinary samples, and by verifying the findings, it will serve justice.

Keywords: Xylazine, adulteration, drug abuse, method development