Teens Hospitalized After Vaping Zombie Drug-Laced Vape: UK Government Cracks

Five South East London teenagers, aged 14-16, fell victim to a Spice-laced vape, leading to hospitalization. One remains in a medically induced coma.

A Deadly Misconception

On January 29, five unsuspecting adolescents in Eltham, South East London, believed they were vaping cannabis or CBD liquids from a rechargeable vape pen. The device, sporting a silver and black Vaporesso cartridge filled with blue liquid, held a sinister secret. Lab tests later revealed that the substance contained Spice, a synthetic drug designed to mimic cannabis but with far more severe side effects.

Upon consuming the Spice-laced vape, the teenagers experienced symptoms such as confusion, vomiting, and reduced consciousness. The situation escalated quickly, and all five were rushed to the hospital. Tragically, one of the teens was put into an induced coma due to the severity of their condition.

Spice: The ‘Zombie Drug’

Spice, often referred to as the ‘zombie drug,’ is a lab-made substance known for its dangerous and unpredictable side effects. These can include dizziness, breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, seizures, and temporary paralysis. Moreover, Spice has been linked to instances of paranoia, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, and even acute kidney injuries.

Despite the risks, Spice-laced vapes have infiltrated schools across the UK, with students as young as 12 falling prey to their allure. This recent incident in South East London is not an isolated event, as similar cases have been reported in Manchester, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, and Wales.

Government Crackdown on Vapes

In response to the growing concern over youth vaping, the UK government has announced measures to prevent marketing vapes to children. These include a ban on disposable vapes, restrictions on flavours, and changes to store displays. The goal is to protect young people from the dangers of vaping, particularly those associated with Spice-laced products.

As the investigation into the South East London incident continues, officials hope that increased awareness and regulation will help combat the issue of Spice-laced vapes. In the meantime, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals are urged to be vigilant and educate young people about the risks associated with vaping and synthetic drugs like Spice.

The incident involving five South East London teenagers who fell victim to a Spice-laced vape serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers associated with vaping and synthetic drugs. As one teenager remains in a medically induced coma, the UK government is taking action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. By increasing regulations on vapes and raising awareness about the risks of synthetic drugs, officials hope to protect young people from the perils of Spice-laced vapes.

In the end, it is a collective responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of future generations. Parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers must work together to combat the issue of Spice-laced vapes and keep young people informed about the potential dangers that lie beneath the surface of these seemingly harmless devices.