An urgent warning has been issued after a dangerous sedative, medetomidine, was discovered in ketamine circulating in Manchester, UK. The alert was shared by the Manchester Drug Analysis & Knowledge Exchange (MANDRAKE) after multiple samples tested positive for the contaminant, via an Instagram post earlier today.
Medetomidine is a powerful non-opioid sedative typically used by veterinarians on large animals. MANDRAKE warns that when combined with ketamine, the mixture is likely to cause “extreme prolonged sedation, which could prove fatal.” The organization also highlighted the serious non-fatal risks, including “sexual assault and robbery,” associated with this level of sedation.
Medetomidine is chemically similar to xylazine, another veterinary tranquilliser sometimes found in contaminated ketamine, but is reportedly 200 times more potent.
Harm Reduction Advice
MANDRAKE advises users to take the following precautions:
- Test the Drug: Users should test ketamine with medetomidine test strips before use.
- Dose Cautiously: Wait “at least an hour“ after taking a very small initial bump before consuming any more.
If someone is suspected of taking contaminated ketamine and becomes unconscious, it is critical to contact a medical or welfare professional immediately. Ensure their airways are unblocked and place them in the recovery position until help arrives. See more in the below embedded, recommendations which come directly from MANDRAKE.
*Cover image credit: Ocean Recovery
[H/T] Mixmag
