How is Kensington, the United States’ “zombie neighborhood” ravaged by fentanyl

kensington This is a neighborhood of the city philadelphia, belonging to the state of Pennsylvania and very close to the border with New Jersey. This began to become increasingly relevant recently, when content creators turned to the “Red Zone” to record their videos and highlight the fentanyl crisis on social media.

First of all, what is shocking is that dirt Who roams the streets of Kensington. From plastic wrappers to broken mattresses and boxes. The reason is this High rates of homelessness and homelessness, so their goods and waste are part of the general landscape of the area. But what has really set off alarm bells, the real reason the place has become such a ruin, is a drug fentanyl,

it opioid The synthetic is extremely powerful and is often used in medicine to relieve severe pain, especially after surgery or in patients with chronic pain who do not respond to other painkillers. Acts on the central nervous system to provide effects Painkillers, Due to its high strength, which is approximately 50 to 100 times more than morphinefentanyl has one High potential for addiction and overdose, Which can be fatal.

,Needles are injected into the arms, neck, and between the toes. He nods limply. Some are lying on the ground and appear to be dead.“, he explained the new York Times, And the fact that there are problems associated with the drug, such as Poverty, prostitution and excess, Which are part of the daily lives of the citizens of Kensington. Moreover, not only the natives there consume it, but addicts from other areas also come to live here due to the ease of obtaining it.

About this 500,000 people lost their lives from opioid-related overdoses in the last twenty yearsAs reported Centers for Disease Control and Prevention From USA. The organization states that there were three important waves Consumption over the last two decades: The first wave started in the 90s, driven by drugs, The second came out in 2010, which also led to a significant increase in deaths due to its use. heroin, And Since 2013, fentanyl has played a relevant role in this context.

Fentanyl is commonly mixed with xylazine, Regarding the latter, the Department of Health and the Philadelphia Board of Health expressed: “It has hit Philadelphia particularly hard, causing a Increase in overdose deaths“As well as serious injuries that can lead to sepsis and amputation.”

This drug is so addictive and dangerous Rahul Gupta, Director, National Drug Control Policy OfficeThis past year has been described as “Emerging Threat”, Xylazine was found in more than 90% of drug samples tested in Philadelphia in 2021, according to city data.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) report, “Trank” prices (as it is called in American language) to USD 6 Until 20 US dollars,

Besides, New York Post He revealed a creepy method that is becoming increasingly common among drug addicts: Pay others to find your veins and deliver the medicine.

is the nickname for people who inject drugs into others “Hitters” and the price is between USD 2 And this US$5, “Some people are afraid to kill themselves or don’t know how to do it,” explained one fentanyl and crack user to the media. npr, “Some people’s nerves are harder to touch than others, so they need someone to do it“, hill.

In 2021, Philadelphia recorded approx. 1,300 unintentional overdose deathsAccording to city data, there has been a 160% increase over the last decade. Additionally, the highest number of deaths (164) occurred in the Kensington postcode.

,Trank is basically turning people’s bodies into zombies“A drug addict said sky News, “Till nine months ago, I had never had any injury. Now, I have holes in my feet and legs.”

A few days ago, the Special Committee of the United States House of Representatives Gave Assurance China is funding fentanyl production Internationally, that adds to the overdose crisis affecting the North American nation.

The revelations that emerged from an extensive investigation indicate that the government Beijing is providing economic incentives to manufacture the chemical components needed in the production of this and other synthetic drugs., under the condition that they are marketed outside their borders. Furthermore, it is also indicated China helps producers avoid scrutiny from US authorities.

findings presented during the hearing Emphasis on China’s role in fentanyl epidemicThe leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States.

governance by committee Xi Jinping It not only promotes the production of these materials but also facilitates their export. Avoiding US regulations. Raja KrishnamurthyA prominent Democratic member of the Commission, pointed to the presence of several Chinese companies openly promoting these synthetic opioids on the Web, a fact he described as completely unacceptable.

Chairman of the Commission, Michael Gallagherand former Attorney General William Barr He strongly criticized these actions, indicating that China’s actions demonstrate a clear disinterest in reducing the fentanyl crisis in the United States. Barr stressed the need not to depend on Beijing’s goodwill The existence of “compelling evidence” of their involvement in fomenting this crisis. The investigation comes months after the United States and China announced renewed cooperation to combat synthetic drug trafficking and the flow of precursor chemicals. However, recent findings raise questions about China’s real commitment to these initiatives.

The report also calls on Congress to give President Joe Biden the ability to sanction those involved in the fentanyl supply chain and suggests the creation of a special task force.

Furthermore, North American officials repeatedly condemned Fentanyl coming from China is synthesized in Mexico, in alliance with a bloodthirsty drug trafficking gang. “Most of the chemical precursors for fentanyl come from China is synthesized in mexico, “The fentanyl is then smuggled across the border into the United States,” he said. janet yellenUnited States Secretary of the Treasury.