I'm battling aggressive cancer at just 30 after my GP told me common sign was ‘normal in young people'
Beth Ferguson, 30, was told it was "highly unlikely" she had the disease, and she felt 'the healthiest she'd ever been'.
11
Beth Ferguson, a physics and maths teacher, from Glasgow, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer
Credit: SWNS
11
The diagnosis came as a shock to the teacher, who was the healthiest she'd ever been
Credit: SWNS
11
Beth in hospital during treatement for breast cancer
Credit: SWNS
But that was despite the fact she had noticed a
Her GP wasn't concerned because the lump was smooth and mobile - which can mean it's a cyst or benign lump.
Beth, a physics and maths teacher, from Glasgow, said: "After noticing the lump, I went to my doctor, who said I was fine.
"They referred me to the local breast clinic, and the consultant said it was a cyst and there was nothing to worry about.
Read more on cancer
"They said I was young, and younger people have lumpy boobs."
After the consultant told her "younger people have
"At that point, I wasn't worried; it put my mind at ease," says Beth.
"The consultant wasn't concerned, as it was small and I was so young, but suggested I return if there were any changes.
Most read in Health
"Life went on - I was training for and completed the Boston Marathon and got engaged to my partner in New York."
Ten months on from her GP visit, Beth noticed the lump was growing.
Jessie J breaks down in tears in heartbreaking hospital video as she has surgery after breast cancer diagnosis
She said: "It started off small, it gradually got bigger and never really went away.
"I have no family
history
of breast cancer, so I thought it was unlikely to be anything serious."
But because the lump had grown, in August 2023, just before the new school year started, the teacher went back to her surgery, and was referred to Gartnavel Hospital, Glasgow.
A few days after an ultrasound and biopsy, she was diagnosed with a triple negative tumour.
11
Beth was simply told 'young people have lumpy boobs' when she noticed a small lump on her left breast
Credit: SWNS
11
Beth Ferguson with partner Callum
Credit: SWNS
11
The teacher said she felt 'numb' after her diagnosis
Credit: SWNS
11
Beth said: "Looking back, I was a bit numb to be honest, you almost don't believe it because I felt so healthy and fit.
"It was the healthiest I have ever been, it was such a strange feeling to be so well but have such a terrible illness."
Beth decided to freeze her eggs as she was going to be put on "induced menopause" to protect her ovaries during treatment.
In October 2023, Beth started chemotherapy - which ended in March 2024 - and immunotherapy was completed in November 2024.
Beth said: "I largely coped well with the side effects and stayed very active between treatments.
"I continued my marathon training, I went to the gym, and I was still working for the first few months.
"One of the worst side effects was that I was put on induced menopause.
"They shut down my ovaries to protect them - I went into menopause overnight."
11
Beth froze her eggs before going through induced menopause due to her treatment
Credit: SWNS
11
Beth was given the all clear in May 2024
Credit: SWNS
'Struggle with aftereffects'
In April 2024, Beth underwent reconstruction surgery on her left breast.
After 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a breast reconstruction and immunotherapy she was given the all clear in May 2024.
She said getting the all clear was "a strange feeling".
"I don't think it is what I imagined," she said.
"I have struggled with the aftereffects of how to move on with my life.
"Although it was great
news
, and everyone around me was happy - it was the start of anxiety for me."
Beth is now supporting new research funded by Breast Cancer Now and Secondary1st, which is hoping to develop a more targeted treatment for people with triple negative breast cancer.
What are the signs of breast cancer?
BREAST cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK.
The majority of women who get it are over 50, but younger women and, in rare cases, men can also get breast cancer.
If it's treated early enough, breast cancer can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.
Most breast lumps aren't cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also speak to your GP if you notice any of the following:
a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood)
a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
dimpling on the skin of your breasts
a rash on or around your nipple
a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Source: NHS
Professor Seth Coffelt at the University of Glasgow has been awarded £399,670 to fund research that will help further understanding of a type of immune cell that can kill triple negative breast cancer cells and stop them spreading.
Triple negative breast cancer is also more likely than most other breast cancers to return or spread within five years following diagnosis.
Beth said: "I appreciate that the research is being funded at the Beatson Institute.
"It was the team in Glasgow which treated me and cared for me, with everything I have been through.
"Everyone in the NHS and the Beatson was amazing - I received really great care there.
"It's so important that we have more research into triple negative breast cancer, it's what keeps me going every day - the hope that researchers will find other targeted therapies in time for people like me."
11
Beth is now supporting new research to develop a more targeted treatment for people with triple negative breast cancer
Credit: SWNS
11
Beth said the research 'keeps her going every day'
Credit: SWNS
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The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I'm battling aggressive cancer at just 30 after my GP told me common sign was ‘normal in young people'
A TEACHER was diagnosed with aggressive cancer after her GP said her symptom was "normal in young people". Beth Ferguson, 30, was told it was "highly unlikely" she had the disease, and she felt 'the healthiest she'd ever been'. 11 Beth Ferguson, a physics and maths teacher, from Glasgow, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer Credit: SWNS 11 The diagnosis came as a shock to the teacher, who was the healthiest she'd ever been Credit: SWNS 11 Beth in hospital during treatement for breast cancer Credit: SWNS But that was despite the fact she had noticed a Her GP wasn't concerned because the lump was smooth and mobile - which can mean it's a cyst or benign lump. Beth, a physics and maths teacher, from Glasgow, said: "After noticing the lump, I went to my doctor, who said I was fine. "They referred me to the local breast clinic, and the consultant said it was a cyst and there was nothing to worry about. Read more on cancer "They said I was young, and younger people have lumpy boobs." After the consultant told her "younger people have "At that point, I wasn't worried; it put my mind at ease," says Beth. "The consultant wasn't concerned, as it was small and I was so young, but suggested I return if there were any changes. Most read in Health "Life went on - I was training for and completed the Boston Marathon and got engaged to my partner in New York." Ten months on from her GP visit, Beth noticed the lump was growing. Jessie J breaks down in tears in heartbreaking hospital video as she has surgery after breast cancer diagnosis She said: "It started off small, it gradually got bigger and never really went away. "I have no family history of breast cancer, so I thought it was unlikely to be anything serious." But because the lump had grown, in August 2023, just before the new school year started, the teacher went back to her surgery, and was referred to Gartnavel Hospital, Glasgow. A few days after an ultrasound and biopsy, she was diagnosed with a triple negative tumour. 11 Beth was simply told 'young people have lumpy boobs' when she noticed a small lump on her left breast Credit: SWNS 11 Beth Ferguson with partner Callum Credit: SWNS 11 The teacher said she felt 'numb' after her diagnosis Credit: SWNS 11 Beth said: "Looking back, I was a bit numb to be honest, you almost don't believe it because I felt so healthy and fit. "It was the healthiest I have ever been, it was such a strange feeling to be so well but have such a terrible illness." Beth decided to freeze her eggs as she was going to be put on "induced menopause" to protect her ovaries during treatment. In October 2023, Beth started chemotherapy - which ended in March 2024 - and immunotherapy was completed in November 2024. Beth said: "I largely coped well with the side effects and stayed very active between treatments. "I continued my marathon training, I went to the gym, and I was still working for the first few months. "One of the worst side effects was that I was put on induced menopause. "They shut down my ovaries to protect them - I went into menopause overnight." 11 Beth froze her eggs before going through induced menopause due to her treatment Credit: SWNS 11 Beth was given the all clear in May 2024 Credit: SWNS 'Struggle with aftereffects' In April 2024, Beth underwent reconstruction surgery on her left breast. After 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a breast reconstruction and immunotherapy she was given the all clear in May 2024. She said getting the all clear was "a strange feeling". "I don't think it is what I imagined," she said. "I have struggled with the aftereffects of how to move on with my life. "Although it was great news , and everyone around me was happy - it was the start of anxiety for me." Beth is now supporting new research funded by Breast Cancer Now and Secondary1st, which is hoping to develop a more targeted treatment for people with triple negative breast cancer. What are the signs of breast cancer? BREAST cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. The majority of women who get it are over 50, but younger women and, in rare cases, men can also get breast cancer. If it's treated early enough, breast cancer can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body. Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue. Most breast lumps aren't cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also speak to your GP if you notice any of the following: a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood) a lump or swelling in either of your armpits dimpling on the skin of your breasts a rash on or around your nipple a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast Source: NHS Professor Seth Coffelt at the University of Glasgow has been awarded £399,670 to fund research that will help further understanding of a type of immune cell that can kill triple negative breast cancer cells and stop them spreading. Triple negative breast cancer is also more likely than most other breast cancers to return or spread within five years following diagnosis. Beth said: "I appreciate that the research is being funded at the Beatson Institute. "It was the team in Glasgow which treated me and cared for me, with everything I have been through. "Everyone in the NHS and the Beatson was amazing - I received really great care there. "It's so important that we have more research into triple negative breast cancer, it's what keeps me going every day - the hope that researchers will find other targeted therapies in time for people like me." 11 Beth is now supporting new research to develop a more targeted treatment for people with triple negative breast cancer Credit: SWNS 11 Beth said the research 'keeps her going every day' Credit: SWNS
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
I lost 6 stone on Mounjaro and here's 6 things I wish I'd known before starting – a 5p drink is essential for the nausea
A WOMAN who lost six stone after taking weight loss jab Mounjaro has revealed the six things she wishes she knew before starting and says a 5p drink made all the difference. Lucy Davies, who shares her journey on TikTok under the name 2 Lucy Davies lost 6 stones on Mounjaro Credit: SWNS 2 She shared her dramatic weight loss journey with followers on Tiktok Credit: SWNS Lucy turned to Mounjaro, a jab that's part of a new generation of weight-loss meds, to help her slim down. It's similar to Ozempic, but packs an even bigger punch when it comes to appetite control. The results were no doubt impressive but Lucy insists there's plenty people don't tell you before starting. Now feeling lighter, healthier and more confident, she's spilling the tea, quite literally, on the real-life hacks that helped her through it. Read more on mounjaro Here are Lucy's top tips for new users. Her number one survival tool was a mug of peppermint tea. The herbal brew, which costs just 5p a bag in some shops, became her go-to remedy for the queasy side effects that came with the jab. She swears it was the only thing that settled her stomach when the Most read in Fabulous She also learned the hard way that fizzy drinks are a no-go. Even one can left her feeling I've lost nearly 6 stone in 9 months on fat jabs - trolls call me 'lazy' & say it's the 'easy way out' but I don't care 'It just wasn't worth it,' she says, and warns others to give the bubbles a miss unless they fancy an upset stomach. Hydration, too, played a big part in her transformation. While most users are told to aim for two litres of water a day, Lucy pushed that up to three and says the benefits were obvious. More energy, fewer headaches, and a much easier ride through the jab's side effects. But while Mounjaro helps shrink your appetite, Lucy warns that doesn't mean you can skip meals. One mistake she made early on was not eating enough and it left her wiped out. She recommends tracking your calories, not to diet harder, but to make sure your body's still getting the fuel it needs to function properly. Another crucial tip is not to fall for the idea that this jab is some kind of magic wand. Fellow user Kathryn, who's dropped three stone herself, says "Mounjaro is a tool, not a miracle. You still need to put the work in". That means eating better, moving more, and listening to your body. Not every vitamin under the sun will help, either. It's about finding what works for you and not overloading your system with unnecessary supplements. One thing Kathryn says is often overlooked was fibre. While everyone's banging on about protein, she found getting enough fibre made a huge difference, keeping her digestion in check and helping her feel fuller for longer. A common misconception among jab users is that they This can lead to unnecessary concerns about whether their current dose is working, especially when they're taking lower doses. One of the ways GLP-1 medications like hunger signals in the brain, helping patients feel satisfied with smaller portions. But they do not and should not eliminate hunger altogether. Kiran Jones, clinical pharmacist at even patients on higher doses like 12.5mg or 15mg should feel hunger at times." He added: 'People think these medicines switch off hunger completely, but that's not how they work. "Being able to eat is normal. Success looks different for everyone, and often, the biggest wins are quiet ones: more energy, less breathlessness, and better sleep. 'Becoming healthier without extreme diets or private clinics is a powerful example of what good, regulated care can achieve. "Patients need safety, not pressure.' What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
How ‘Devil's Breath' zombie drug used to spike victims is flooding hols hotspots – as Brit target gives chilling warning
YOU'RE enjoying a night out - partying with friends - when suddenly you begin to feel woozy, you feel your heartbeat increase, you start to see hallucinations and you find you can't even speak. Then you black out, waking up hours or even days later with no memory of what has just happened - you may have been spiked with a terrifying drug known as the "Devil's Breath". 11 Devil's Breath comes from the seeds of the Borrachero tree Credit: Alamy 11 Deborah Oscar was left fearing for her safety after being "spiked" with the drug Credit: SWNS 11 Tourists and revellers around the globe fear they are being targeted with the mysterious drug - which is said to turn people into "zombies". It has been linked to tens of thousands of crimes in South America - and is even behind several deaths. It's also been reported in European holiday hotspots, including in the UK. Officially called scopolamine, the "Devil's Breath" is derived from the toxic Borrachero tree from South America and it has become a weapon of choice for criminals. Once tested by the CIA as a truth serum, the drug renders its victims powerless, compliant, and blank — leaving them unable to resist, and often unable to recall anything afterwards. A leading UK addiction specialist told The Sun that the misuse of Devil's Breath could pose one of the most dangerous threats to the public - with it being used by criminals in robberies, assaults and sexual attacks. And a top Spanish anti-drug cop has issued a warning to tourists - telling them be on the lookout for Devil's Breath in party hotspots. Meanwhile, a British woman who claims to have been spiked with the mind-warping drug also issued a stark warning to both holidaymakers and people on nights out. Zaheen Ahmed, director at UK Addiction Treatment, told The Sun the drug can cause terrifying symptoms - with users becoming vulnerable almost instantly, with symptoms likened to sedation, confusion, and memory loss, he explained. 'It will create hallucinations," Mr Ahmed said. "A person will have difficulty around their thinking. That's why people use it in criminal activity... it can be a really dangerous weapon. 'It can be one of the world's most dangerous [drugs], given what it can do to people if it's used the wrong way.' Inside Europe's 'cocaine capital' where gangsters bomb cafes, gun down children & X in terrifying wave of drug violence And he described how the drug's method of administration makes it far more threatening than typical date-rape drugs. He explained: 'For example, with other drugs, they have to mix it and someone has to digest it. 'But with Devil's Breath, someone can hold it in their hand and just blow it on your face — so how are you going to protect yourself?' 'EERIE AND VERY ODD' The drug has already been implicated in several chilling deaths. In 2019, Irish dancer Adrian Murphy was murdered in London after being poisoned with scopolamine by a woman he met on Grindr. She and her boyfriend were convicted of his murder and the attempted murder of another man. More recently, Alessandro Coatti, a 42-year-old British-based scientist, was discovered dismembered in Santa Marta, Colombia . Lured via a dating app, investigators suspect he was drugged before being brutally murdered. His severed limbs were scattered across the city — a hotel wristband was all that remained to identify him. Devil's Breath is now feared to be making its way into UK cities - with one woman Deborah Oscar believing she narrowly escaped an attack while riding the Elizabeth Line. She told The Sun: 'I suddenly felt very peaceful. Like the first few seconds when you have anaesthesia before a surgery.' The 30-year-old content creator said she was riding a nearly empty train when a woman wafted a newspaper in her face, stared intently, and sat beside her. Moments later, Deborah said she felt lightheaded and unnaturally calm. "I assumed she was a confused tourist about to ask for directions," she recalled. "But she just maintained eye contact — it felt eerie and very odd." Deborah managed to escape by switching carriages and disembarking early — a decision she now believes may have saved her life. "If I hadn't seen those videos, I would probably have just sat there and I don't know what would have happened." Her TikTok story has since gone viral, with 20 people in the UK saying they had similar experiences, and hundreds more abroad sharing suspicions of being drugged with scopolamine. "The criminals know there are few repercussions," she said. "What can you do when you tell the police you gave someone your own phone or bag?" She added: "Nobody wants to be rude or appear paranoid. But it's better to recognise the situation and flee and be safe than to take a risk." British Transport Police confirmed they are aware of the video - but no formal report has been filed. And Transport for London also said they were investigating the incident - describing it as "extremely frightening". While Mr Ahmed stressed the need for toxicology information, he didn't rule out the possibility of Deborah being exposed to scopolamine in the reported attack. He said: 'It is a high chance this can happen easily… there are drugs available that can instantly affect a human being. 'If that's the case [the attack was made with scopolamine], it will completely change the whole game — how people are going to rob people, snatch things… the situation will become really dangerous.' 11 The 30-year-old suspects she was spiked on a London train with 'Devil's Breath' drug Credit: SWNS 11 Jacob Irwin-Cline claims he was also spiked with the 'Devil's Breath' in London And Deborah is not the only person who claims to have been hit with the drug in the UK. American tourist and crypto investor Jacob Irwin-Cline, 30, claims to have been spiked and robbed while in a fake Uber in London. He claims he was robbed for around £100,000 after smoking a cigarette laced with what he believes was Devil's Breath. Irwin-Cline says he was offered the smoke by the driver - but then started to feel dazed, drowsy and passed out after a leaving a Soho nightclub. He claimed he was left "really docile" and has vague memories of the driver asking him for his passkeys on his crypto apps. He then passed out after around 30 minutes. The US tech whiz suspects he was hit with scopolamine, the Devil's Breath, during the suspected spiking on May 9. What is Devil's Breath? REPORTS of the Devil's Breath drug have been seen across South American, Europe and even in the UK. Some people may take the drug on purpose for a "dream-like state" it can induce, mistakenly thinking it will be like mainstream hallucinogens like LSD. But Devil's Breath hallucinations tend to be far more disturbing and disjointed, often manifesting as nightmarish visions or confusing scenarios that blur the lines of reality. It may also be taken by mistake due to its close resemblance to cocaine. The correct dosage of the drug is notoriously hard to pin down, and even a slight miscalculation can lead to an overdose. This can lead to respiratory failure, acute psychosis and even death. Symptoms may include dry mouth, difficulty speaking, lethargy, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat and disorientation. Source: The UKAT Group 11 Hermelo Molero warned about the use of the Devil's Breath in Spain Hermelo Molero, a top Spanish anti-drug cop based in Bilbao, issued a chilling warning to tourists on how they can be targeted - especially in nightlife-heavy spots abroad. Spain recorded its first case of the zombie drug being used in 2016 - when a 36-year-old woman in Majorca tested positive for the substance. He told The Sun: "It is always related to nightlife, especially crowded nightclubs. "In summer , it is common to look for places full of tourists where the victim is even more defenceless." What's more chilling is that the substance isn't just used for theft - but more heinous crimes too. Mr Molero continued: "This type of substance is used for crimes against property [robbery] and sexual aggression, as these drugs are used to subdue the victims, who do not have the same defence options." Alongside being wafted in victim's faces, the drug is "easily dissolved in drinks" - with criminals using "the victim's carelessness with a drink that is being ingested," the drug chief explained. He added: "Generally, when it is to steal, the offenders are usually two or more people, especially if they have the intention of not only stealing your belongings but also want to steal from your home or hotel. "If the interest is sexual, it is usually a sexual predator who acts individually." Mr Molero warned holidaymakers to "always keep your drinks under control" and stressed the importance of maintaining "a high level of awareness" as "if we are very drunk we will hardly be able to control our drinks". He said: "If it is a bottle use the stopper to protect it and if it is a glass it is not a bad option to put a paper napkin over [it]." Mr Ahmed recommends the public stay cautious in crowded spaces and consider basic protective measures. 'If someone is blowing [powder], they might wear a mask or something that will protect them,' he said. Chemical hypnosis Just 10 milligrams of scopolamine can obliterate a person's free will. The drug disrupts memory formation and suppresses higher brain function, leaving the victim suggestible and eerily cooperative - handing over PINs, passwords, and valuables without hesitation. Criminal gangs in Colombia are dispersing the drug in drinks, gum, cigarettes — even business cards soaked in the substance — often after luring victims via dating apps like Tinder or Grindr. Grapefruit juice enhances the drug's potency, slowing its breakdown and increasing absorption in the gut. In Bogotá and Medellín, the tactics are disturbingly creative: sprinkled scopolamine on jackets, ATMs, even elevator buttons. Victims faint, blackout, or enter a dream-like obedience state — all before realising what's happened. 11 UK-based scientist Alessandro Coatti was poisoned in Colombia Credit: 11 Adrian Murphy was poisoned with the "Devil's Breath" drug before being murdered in London 11 Tourists in Colombia are being targeted by gangs wielding a terrifying drug known as Devil's Breath Credit: AFP Tourist deaths in Colombia - many of them drug linked - surged by 29% last year, and Medellín saw a 200% spike in Devil's Breath robberies in the final quarter of 2023 alone. The US Embassy has since issued a high-alert advisory, warning: 'Use of dating apps can increase your risk.' One of the alleged masterminds is Carolina Mejía Montoya, 27, dubbed The Queen of Scopolamine. The 'Scopolamine Queen' She is believed to have led a multimillion-peso theft ring in Medellín, using her looks to charm foreign tourists before drugging and stripping them of cash, cards, and jewellery. CCTV shows her ushering victims into short-term rentals — where they were later found drugged and confused. On one night alone, she allegedly stole 120 million pesos from two men. Despite previously being placed under house arrest, she vanished and continued her spree — until police finally caught up with her. 'You do anything they say' The impact of Devil's Breath is described by victims as both hypnotic and terrifying. Fernando, a 64-year-old from the UK, believes he fell victim while on a business trip to Bogotá back in 2012. He told After drinking what he suspects was a spiked beer, Fernando blacked out and woke up the following day with €1,000 missing. CCTV later showed him returning to his hotel, retrieving a bank card from his safe, and leaving again—all while still under the drug's influence. 'It does something to your brain where you forget completely… it's like a vacuum,' he added. 11 Gang boss Carolina Meija Montoya arrested in Medellin Credit: Policía Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá 11 A TikTok user known as "Manning" claimed he was drugged with scopolamine and attacked after connecting with someone through a dating app Credit: TikTok / @soymanning2 Robbed without remembering it Others have faced even worse outcomes. A Colombian TikTok user known as Juan Esteban 'Manning' recounted being drugged after a Tinder date and waking up six hours later in a looted apartment, stripped of everything from designer clothes to flip-flops. 'It was the worst experience. I woke up and found myself lying in my apartment, a mess,' he said, according to Infobae. Security footage showed his date calmly walking out with stolen suitcases. And it's not limited to nightlife or dating apps. In Bogotá, attackers have used scopolamine in broad daylight — dusted on jackets, notebooks, even ATM keypads. The drug's power lies in its stealth — most victims don't realise they've been exposed until far too late. Many never report it out of confusion, embarrassment or shame. Toxicology professor Kamyar Afarinkia explained the drug's ease of use: 'You can get a business card, soak it in [scopolamine], let it dry and then give it to somebody. 'When they touch it, unless they wash their hands quickly, it gets absorbed under their skin.' In North Carolina, Charlotte resident Paranda Davis took to Facebook to sound the alarm after a close friend was allegedly drugged by a stranger. 'She remembered a Hispanic woman approaching her… and then everything went blank,' Davis wrote. Hospital tests later confirmed Scopolamine was in her system, according to Davis. 'This incident happened right here in Charlotte, NC and I know the victim personally,' she posted. 'She gave me full permission to share her story in hopes of warning others.' Davis urged followers to stay alert, noting criminals may 'blow it in your face, lace your drink, or put it on paper, cards, or handshakes.' Another Facebook user, Angela Moore, reposted Davis' warning, adding: 'This exactly what happened to me.' Critics and doubts Not all experts agree on the scale of the threat. Former government toxicologist Dr Les King argues the effects of scopolamine might be overstated. He notes that the drug is a solid, not a gas , and claims it would be difficult to absorb enough through casual contact to incapacitate someone. 'Just picking up something that's been impregnated with this drug is not going to cause you any harm,' Dr King said. He added that other drugs like benzodiazepines may be behind many reported cases, citing a lack of toxicological evidence for scopolamine-related attacks. But for Deborah — and many others — the danger feels very real. 'The more people that know,' she said, 'the more people that might be able to help. Or help someone else who is being targeted.' 'Trust your gut,' Deborah warns. 'It's best to be wary — than to be a victim.'
