A chilling new threat has emerged on the streets of London, a drug so potent it’s quietly claiming lives and leaving a trail of fear among those who work with the city’s most vulnerable. It’s called cychlorphine, and it’s estimated to be 200 times stronger than heroin.
Elodie Berland and Jon Glackin, volunteers with the charity Streets Kitchen, witness the harsh realities of life on the margins every day. They offer warmth and sustenance to rough sleepers, but lately, their routine has been shadowed by a growing dread. The question isn’t *if* they’ll hear of another overdose, but *who* will be lost next.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed at least three deaths in Camden within a single month – a man in his 50s, a woman in her 40s, and another man in his 40s. But authorities suspect the true number is far higher, with estimates reaching thirteen deaths across London in the last year alone.
What makes cychlorphine particularly insidious is its deceptive nature. It isn’t being sought out by name; instead, it’s being surreptitiously mixed into other drugs – heroin, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, even cocaine – and sold unknowingly to unsuspecting users. Dealers are using it to stretch their supplies, creating a deadly gamble with every transaction.
The origins of this dangerous substance likely lie in unregulated labs in countries like India and China, where safety standards are lax and cross-contamination is a significant risk. Criminal gangs are subtly altering chemical compounds to circumvent existing bans, creating a constantly shifting landscape of illicit substances.
The drug’s undetectable nature adds another layer of danger. It’s a white powder with no discernible odor, meaning sniffer dogs are unable to detect it at checkpoints, allowing it to slip easily into the country. This makes it incredibly difficult to control and even harder to trace.
A disturbing reality is emerging: coroners and hospitals are often unaware of cychlorphine’s presence. Routine postmortem tests don’t automatically screen for synthetic opioids, leading to misdiagnoses and an underreporting of deaths. The drug may even break down in the body after death, further obscuring its role in fatal overdoses.
Recent police action has led to the arrest and charging of eleven individuals in Camden, accused of conspiring to supply Class A drugs linked to cychlorphine. The raids uncovered significant quantities of drugs, over £30,000 in cash and gold, and even a sawn-off shotgun, highlighting the organized criminal networks involved.
For those on the front lines, like Elodie and Jon, the situation is deeply concerning. Camden, with its high rates of addiction and homelessness, is seen as a testing ground for new and dangerous substances. They emphasize the urgent need for information sharing and awareness to protect the most vulnerable.
Experts are urging drug users to carry naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The ease with which cychlorphine can be acquired – even through platforms like Snapchat – underscores the widespread risk. It’s a threat that can affect anyone, regardless of their usual drug habits.
