Dangerous drug ‘krokodil’ : “Krokodil Drug Scaly Skin Discovery in St. Clair County”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “St. Clair County krokodil outbreak”
2. “Scaly skin drug St. Clair County”

St. Clair County, Michigan, is facing a new threat as the dangerous drug ‘krokodil’ makes its first appearance in the area. Also known as Desomorphine, this synthetic substance earned its nickname due to the horrific effects it has on the skin, resembling a crocodile. Law enforcement officials discovered the white powder during a search warrant, highlighting the escalating presence of synthetic drugs in the region. Unlike traditional opioids, reversing overdoses caused by krokodil is challenging, as naloxone may not be as effective. The emergence of krokodil in Michigan poses a significant concern for both authorities and addiction specialists due to its devastating long-term effects on the body.

First Appearance of Dangerous Drug ‘Krokodil’ in St. Clair County, Michigan

St. Clair County, located in the state of Michigan, recently made headlines for a disturbing discovery – the presence of a dangerous synthetic drug known as krokodil. This substance, identified as Desomorphine, has never been seen in the county before and is rarely found in Michigan. The discovery was made by sheriff’s deputies while executing a search warrant at a residence in the area.

Origin of the Name ‘Krokodil’

The street name ‘krokodil’ for Desomorphine derives from the effects it has on the skin of users. Those who consume this substance may experience skin discoloration, often resembling the scales of a crocodile. Additionally, severe cases have even resulted in the need for amputations.

Law Enforcement Investigation

Sheriff Mat King revealed that authorities were initially investigating an individual suspected of drug trafficking when they stumbled upon the white powder identified as krokodil. This synthetic drug serves as a cheap alternative to heroin, making it appealing to certain segments of the population.

Dangers of Desomorphine

Desomorphine, the official name of the opioid, poses significant risks to users. Unlike traditional opioids, reversing overdoses caused by Desomorphine is not as straightforward as administering Naloxone. This fact raises concerns for both law enforcement officials and addiction specialists.

Identification and Source

The individual caught with krokodil in St. Clair County had obtained 80 doses of the substance. Authorities suspect that the drug was purchased online, highlighting the challenges posed by the accessibility of such dangerous substances. The identification of krokodil was confirmed using a testing machine called TruNarc, which employs a laser for accurate detection.

Global Presence and Effects

Krokodil first emerged in Russia 14 years ago before making its way into the United States. Upon consumption, the drug causes severe damage to the skin near the injection site, often resulting in permanent effects that resemble reptilian scales. Sheriff King emphasized the irreversible long-term harm caused by krokodil on the body.

Broader Concerns in Michigan

The discovery of krokodil in St. Clair County is not the only alarming development in Michigan’s drug landscape. Recent reports from the health department linked multiple overdoses to a new animal tranquilizer called Medetomidine, commonly used by veterinarians. Similar to Desomorphine, overdoses associated with this synthetic sedative do not respond as effectively to Narcan.

In conclusion, the emergence of krokodil in St. Clair County serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by synthetic drugs in communities across Michigan. Law enforcement agencies and health officials continue to monitor and address these threats to safeguard public health and safety.