By Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Zim GBC News Editor
Zimbabweans are being urged to exercise extreme vigilance following growing international reports of a terrifying and dangerous drug known as “Devil’s Breath,” a substance that strips victims of their free will and memory, rendering them compliant zombies at the mercy of criminals.
The drug, formally identified as scopolamine, is derived from plants like the Brugmansia (Angel’s Trumpet), which is commonly found in Zimbabwe’s parks and gardens. While it has legitimate medical uses for treating motion sickness, its criminal application has earned it a sinister reputation globally, and security experts warn it may already be circulating in the country.
When processed into a tasteless, odourless powder, criminals can easily weaponize it. A security analyst based in South Africa, who spoke to Zim GBC News on condition of anonymity, stated,
“This isn’t science fiction; it’s a real and present danger. The plant source is readily available here, and the modus operandi of criminals is evolving. It’s only a matter of time before we see more cases if public awareness is not raised.”
The effects are harrowing. Medical experts describe a victim’s state as being turned into a “zombie.” They may appear awake and functional but are devoid of independent thought, often willingly complying with instructions to withdraw money from banks or hand over valuables.
The drug induces hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, and, most crucially, complete memory loss of the events upon waking.
“Victims wake up hours later confused, disoriented, and robbed, with absolutely no recollection of what transpired. It is a criminal’s dream – there is no fight, no noise, and the victim cannot remember enough to testify,” a European law enforcement officer was quoted as saying in international reports.
The drug’s use has been extensively documented in South America, particularly Colombia, where it is linked to thousands of crimes annually. Its footprint is expanding, with concerning incidents reported in Europe and the UK. In one case, Irish dancer Adrian Murphy was poisoned and robbed, highlighting its lethal potential.
Closer to home, there have been anecdotal reports in Harare of individuals waking up in a confused state with no memory of how they were robbed.
The greatest challenge for law enforcement is detection. Scopolamine metabolizes quickly and can disappear from the bloodstream within 12 hours, making it nearly impossible to detect with standard police drug tests.
Authorities and health experts advise the public to adopt the following safety precautions:
· Never leave drinks unattended in social settings.
· Refuse food, cigarettes, or any substances from strangers.
· Be immediately wary if someone attempts to wave a newspaper, magazine, or powder near your face.
· Stay in groups, especially at night.
· Seek immediate medical help if you experience sudden, unexplained confusion or dizziness.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police encourages anyone with information or who has experienced a suspicious incident to come forward promptly.
Public awareness and vigilance are currently the strongest defence against this clear and present threat to personal safety.
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