logo
#

Latest news with #AdrianMurphy

Why major changes to the Isas regime are long overdue
Why major changes to the Isas regime are long overdue

Scotsman

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Scotsman

Why major changes to the Isas regime are long overdue

Tomorrow's Mansion House speech could have been an opportunity to confront our national aversion to investing, writes Adrian Murphy Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... There has been a great deal of speculation about the Chancellor reforming ISA rules in tomorrow's Mansion House Speech – although, late last week it emerged some of these may be put on hold. There are, nevertheless, good reasons to still look at the issue – not least to confront the UK's aversion to investing in stocks and shares. As things stand, far too much ISA wealth is held in cash, which is not what the tax wrapper was originally conceived for. Ultimately, a cash ISA is a waste of the allowance and anything that encourages people to invest for the long term should be welcomed. Billions sitting in cash is bad for the economy, bad for the stock market, and bad for business. If money isn't being spent it should at least be invested in companies helping to boost growth at home and globally. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Many people see investing as risky, but they don't understand the risk of holding much of their wealth in cash. Inflation means cash loses value over time and, while the initial rates on cash ISAs may be attractive, many default to a much lower rate after the first year – there are likely many people with cash earning rates far below the rise in the cost of living. Rachel Reeves delivers her Mansion House speech tomorrow (Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty) Pensions aside, ISAs are the next best thing as an option for long-term saving – but they need to stay that way. Ideally we would see an increase in the overall allowance, as well as the cash limit being reduced, so savers can still maximise the amount they invest in a tax-efficient wrapper – particularly with the recent reductions to the capital gains tax allowance. While that may be unlikely, it's worth remembering that if the ISA allowance had kept pace with inflation since it reached £20,000, by now it would be nearly £27,000. While not many people will have that to save every year, it will still provide an incentive to invest as much as they are able to. Of course, the devil would be in the detail. If a limit on cash contributions is going to be introduced at some stage, there will need to be guardrails. There is nothing to stop people from opening up a stocks and shares ISA and investing in a money fund, for instance. But it's just as important that the government doesn't try to influence how and where people invest their money, as was the case with the 'British ISA', which attempted to steer investment choices too narrowly. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There has also been speculation around reform to Lifetime ISAs, with reports suggesting some people are being directed into unsuitable investment strategies and receiving less than they put in because they need to make withdrawals for unexpected circumstances. This is likely to be a function of how complicated these products are, with very specific reasons behind when you can withdraw money and what it is used for. That said, the intention is right: having a sensible long-term savings vehicle available before retirement is a good idea – especially as the age for accessing pensions continues to rise, which only serves to dissuade people from thinking about how they will support themselves financially in later life. ISAs are a highly successful financial invention, with 12.4 million subscriptions – excluding Junior accounts – according to the latest available data and around 35 per cent of Scots holding an account. But they can and should be reformed to work better. Encouraging more people to invest their money, rather than have it sit on the sidelines in cash, should only be beneficial for their own financial situation, as well as the UK economy.

Common anti-sickness drug chillingly dubbed ‘devil's breath' is turning people ‘into Zombies', experts warn
Common anti-sickness drug chillingly dubbed ‘devil's breath' is turning people ‘into Zombies', experts warn

Scottish Sun

time04-07-2025

  • Scottish Sun

Common anti-sickness drug chillingly dubbed ‘devil's breath' is turning people ‘into Zombies', experts warn

Experts fear is being used to fuel criminal activity in the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A COMMON motion sickness drug has a chilling dual identity, as it's deployed in the criminal underworld to turn people into pliant "zombies". Dubbed "devil's breath", the substance can erase people's memories and strip them of their free will, leaving them unable to resist demands. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Anti-sickness pill scopolamine also has a sinister use in the criminal underworld Credit: Getty 3 In high doses, the substance can erase memory and turn people into 'zombies' Credit: Getty In medicine, the drug is known as scopolamine. It's used to prevent motion sickness and nausea and is available in tablet form in pharmacies, sold over-the-counter. But the same plants used to produce anti-sickness pills yield a compound that's been put to dangerous use in parts of South America and Europe. Now, there are concerns scopolamine is being used to fuel criminal activity in the UK. Reports of devil's breath mostly come Colombia and other parts of South America, burundanga - as it's known - has been implicated in countless robberies and sexual assaults. As for Europe, three people were arrested in Paris in 2015 for allegedly using the drug to turn people into compliant 'zombies' and rob them. The UK's first known murder linked to scopolamine was reported in 2019, when Irish dancer Adrian Murphy was poisoned by a couple attempting to steal from him. And just last month, Deborah Oscar, 30, claimed she was spiked with the terrifying drug on a London tube. She was on the Elizabeth Line leaving from Abbey Wood when a woman wafted a newspaper in her face - leaving her feeling "high" and "sleepy - before sitting next to her in an empty carriage. Remembering a TikTok she'd seen about devil's breath, Deborah was able to stumble off the tube to safety. Zaheen Ahmed, Director of Addiction Therapy at The UKAT Group, told The Sun at the time: "It wouldn't be a stretch to suggest that devil's breath could have made its way into the UK. "Unfortunately, when there's high demand for drugs, especially 'new' drugs, supply will find a way. "Although primarily found in Colombia, we know that it's already made its way into Europe, and so unfortunately, there is every chance that it is already here." Drug 'weaponised' As a drug, scopolamine blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a vital role in memory, learning, and coordination, according to Dipa Kamdar, a senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at Kingston University. She wrote in The Conversation: "Blocking [the neurotransmitter] helps reduce nausea by interrupting signals from the balance system to the brain. "But it also comes with side effects, especially when used in high doses or outside a clinical setting. "Scopolamine disrupts the cholinergic system, which is central to memory formation and retrieval. "As a result, it can cause temporary but severe memory loss: a key reason it's been weaponised in crimes. Once ingested, the drug works quickly and exits the body within about 12 hours, making it hard to detect in routine drug screenings. For some people, even a dose under 10mg can be fatal Dipa Kamdar "Some studies also suggest it increases oxidative stress in the brain, compounding its effects on cognition." Outside of legitimate medical uses - to prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting and muscle spasms, as well as off-label prescriptions for depression or smoking cessation - scopolamine is "increasingly associated with danger", Dipa warned. In Colombia and other parts of South America, the substance has been used robberies and sexual assaults. "Victims describe feeling dreamlike, compliant, and unable to resist or recall events," according to Dipa. 3 Deborah Oscar, 30, suspects she was spiked on a London train with 'devil's breath' "That's what makes it so sinister – it robs people of both agency and memory. "The drug is often administered surreptitiously. In its powdered form, it's odourless and tasteless, making it easy to slip into drinks or blow into someone's face, as some victims have reported. "Once ingested, the drug works quickly and exits the body within about 12 hours, making it hard to detect in routine drug screenings. "For some people, even a dose under 10mg can be fatal." Devil's breath: Explained Scopolamine is derived from the seeds of the Borrachero tree, primarily found in South America. In small doses, it has some legitimate medical applications, such as treating nausea and motion sickness. It is thought that the indigenous peoples of South America once took it for its hallucinogenic properties, and it was wielded by shamans for various rites and ceremonies. In modern times, however, it has gained notoriety for far more sinister reasons. While the powdered form is tasteless and odourless, scopolamine is a potent drug that can disorient and incapacitate users and lead to frightening hallucinations. This can make it a discreet tool for malevolent purposes, particularly as it can erase memory, make users highly impressionable and even paralyse them physically. Some people may also 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 A 2017 report details the case of a 47-year-old Canadian man holidaying in Bogota, Colombia, who claimed to have been robbed at a bus terminal. He experienced memory loss for approximately 12 hours and emerged from his stupor to realise he was missing $250 in cash and his mobile phone. "He had no signs of physical or sexual assault; however, he felt disoriented and confused, was unable to concentrate, and suffered from marked xerostomia [dry mouth]," the report authors noted. Believing he may have been exposed to scopolamine, he visited a doctor when he was back in Canada. Toxicology and drug screenings came back negative. "We recognised that our patient described the anticholinergic toxidrome [blockage of acetylcholine receptors] expected in scopolamine intoxication," medics said. Dipa described the symptoms of scopolamine poisoning as rapid heartbeat and palpitations, dry mouth and flushed skin, blurred vision, confusion and disorientation, hallucinations and drowsiness. "If you experience any of these, especially after an unexpected drink or interaction, seek medical attention immediately," she warned.

Common anti-sickness drug chillingly dubbed ‘devil's breath' is turning people ‘into Zombies', experts warn
Common anti-sickness drug chillingly dubbed ‘devil's breath' is turning people ‘into Zombies', experts warn

The Sun

time04-07-2025

  • Health
  • The Sun

Common anti-sickness drug chillingly dubbed ‘devil's breath' is turning people ‘into Zombies', experts warn

A COMMON motion sickness drug has a chilling dual identity, as it's deployed in the criminal underworld to turn people into pliant "zombies". Dubbed "devil's breath", the substance can erase people's memories and strip them of their free will, leaving them unable to resist demands. 3 3 In medicine, the drug is known as scopolamine. It's used to prevent motion sickness and nausea and is available in tablet form in pharmacies, sold over-the-counter. But the same plants used to produce anti-sickness pills yield a compound that's been put to dangerous use in parts of South America and Europe. Now, there are concerns scopolamine is being used to fuel criminal activity in the UK. Reports of devil's breath mostly come Colombia and other parts of South America, burundanga - as it's known - has been implicated in countless robberies and sexual assaults. As for Europe, three people were arrested in Paris in 2015 for allegedly using the drug to turn people into compliant 'zombies' and rob them. The UK's first known murder linked to scopolamine was reported in 2019, when Irish dancer Adrian Murphy was poisoned by a couple attempting to steal from him. And just last month, Deborah Oscar, 30, claimed she was spiked with the terrifying drug on a London tube. She was on the Elizabeth Line leaving from Abbey Wood when a woman wafted a newspaper in her face - leaving her feeling "high" and "sleepy - before sitting next to her in an empty carriage. Remembering a TikTok she'd seen about devil's breath, Deborah was able to stumble off the tube to safety. Zaheen Ahmed, Director of Addiction Therapy at The UKAT Group, told The Sun at the time: "It wouldn't be a stretch to suggest that devil's breath could have made its way into the UK. "Unfortunately, when there's high demand for drugs, especially 'new' drugs, supply will find a way. "Although primarily found in Colombia, we know that it's already made its way into Europe, and so unfortunately, there is every chance that it is already here." Drug 'weaponised' As a drug, scopolamine blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a vital role in memory, learning, and coordination, according to Dipa Kamdar, a senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at Kingston University. She wrote in The Conversation: "Blocking [the neurotransmitter] helps reduce nausea by interrupting signals from the balance system to the brain. "But it also comes with side effects, especially when used in high doses or outside a clinical setting. "Scopolamine disrupts the cholinergic system, which is central to memory formation and retrieval. "As a result, it can cause temporary but severe memory loss: a key reason it's been weaponised in crimes. Once ingested, the drug works quickly and exits the body within about 12 hours, making it hard to detect in routine drug screenings. For some people, even a dose under 10mg can be fatal Dipa Kamdarpharmacist " Some studies also suggest it increases oxidative stress in the brain, compounding its effects on cognition." Outside of legitimate medical uses - to prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting and muscle spasms, as well as off-label prescriptions for depression or smoking cessation - scopolamine is "increasingly associated with danger", Dipa warned. In Colombia and other parts of South America, the substance has been used robberies and sexual assaults. "Victims describe feeling dreamlike, compliant, and unable to resist or recall events," according to Dipa. 3 "That's what makes it so sinister – it robs people of both agency and memory. "The drug is often administered surreptitiously. In its powdered form, it's odourless and tasteless, making it easy to slip into drinks or blow into someone's face, as some victims have reported. "Once ingested, the drug works quickly and exits the body within about 12 hours, making it hard to detect in routine drug screenings. "For some people, even a dose under 10mg can be fatal." Devil's breath: Explained Scopolamine is derived from the seeds of the Borrachero tree, primarily found in South America. In small doses, it has some legitimate medical applications, such as treating nausea and motion sickness. It is thought that the indigenous peoples of South America once took it for its hallucinogenic properties, and it was wielded by shamans for various rites and ceremonies. In modern times, however, it has gained notoriety for far more sinister reasons. While the powdered form is tasteless and odourless, scopolamine is a potent drug that can disorient and incapacitate users and lead to frightening hallucinations. This can make it a discreet tool for malevolent purposes, particularly as it can erase memory, make users highly impressionable and even paralyse them physically. Some people may also 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 A 2017 report details the case of a 47-year-old Canadian man holidaying in Bogota, Colombia, who claimed to have been robbed at a bus terminal. He experienced memory loss for approximately 12 hours and emerged from his stupor to realise he was missing $250 in cash and his mobile phone. "He had no signs of physical or sexual assault; however, he felt disoriented and confused, was unable to concentrate, and suffered from marked xerostomia [dry mouth]," the report authors noted. Believing he may have been exposed to scopolamine, he visited a doctor when he was back in Canada. Toxicology and drug screenings came back negative. "We recognised that our patient described the anticholinergic toxidrome [blockage of acetylcholine receptors] expected in scopolamine intoxication," medics said. Dipa described the symptoms of scopolamine poisoning as rapid heartbeat and palpitations, dry mouth and flushed skin, blurred vision, confusion and disorientation, hallucinations and drowsiness. "If you experience any of these, especially after an unexpected drink or interaction, seek medical attention immediately," she warned.

Motion sickness drug linked to cases of robbery and assault – here's what you need to know about ‘devil's breath'
Motion sickness drug linked to cases of robbery and assault – here's what you need to know about ‘devil's breath'

Yahoo

time02-07-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

Motion sickness drug linked to cases of robbery and assault – here's what you need to know about ‘devil's breath'

Scopolamine, more chillingly known as 'devil's breath,' is a drug with a dual identity. In medicine, it's used to prevent motion sickness and nausea. But in the criminal underworld, particularly in parts of South America, it has gained a dark reputation as a substance that can erase memory, strip away free will and facilitate serious crimes. Now, its presence may be sparking fresh concerns in the UK. While most reports of devil's breath come from countries like Colombia, concerns about its use in Europe are not new. In 2015, three people were arrested in Paris for allegedly using the drug to rob victims, turning them into compliant 'zombies'. The UK's first known murder linked to scopolamine was reported in 2019 when the Irish dancer Adrian Murphy was poisoned by thieves attempting to sell items stolen from him. In a more recent case in London, a woman reported symptoms consistent with scopolamine exposure after being targeted on public transport. Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK's latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Scopolamine, also known as hycosine, is a tropane alkaloid, a type of plant-derived compound found in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It has a long history: indigenous communities in South America traditionally used it for spiritual rituals due to its potent psychoactive effects. In modern medicine, scopolamine (marketed in the UK as hyoscine hydrobromide) is prescribed to prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting and muscle spasms. It also reduces saliva production before surgery. Brand names include Kwells (tablets) and Scopoderm (patches). As an anticholinergic drug, scopolamine blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a vital role in memory, learning, and coordination. Blocking it helps reduce nausea by interrupting signals from the balance (vestibular) system to the brain. But it also comes with side effects, especially when used in high doses or outside a clinical setting. Scopolamine disrupts the cholinergic system, which is central to memory formation and retrieval. As a result, it can cause temporary but severe memory loss: a key reason it's been weaponised in crimes. Some studies also suggest it increases oxidative stress in the brain, compounding its effects on cognition. The drug's power to erase memory, sometimes described as 'zombifying', has made it a focus of forensic and criminal interest. Victims often describe confusion, hallucinations and a complete loss of control. In clinical settings, scopolamine is sometimes used off-label for depression, excessive sweating, or even to help quit smoking. But outside these uses, it's increasingly associated with danger. Recreational users are drawn to its hallucinogenic effects – but the line between tripping and toxic is razor thin. In Colombia and other parts of South America, scopolamine, also known as burundanga, has been implicated in countless robberies and sexual assaults. Victims describe feeling dreamlike, compliant, and unable to resist or recall events. That's what makes it so sinister – it robs people of both agency and memory. The drug is often administered surreptitiously. In its powdered form, it's odourless and tasteless, making it easy to slip into drinks or blow into someone's face, as some victims have reported. Online forums detail how to make teas or infusions from plant parts, seeds, roots, flowers – heightening the risk of DIY misuse. Once ingested, the drug works quickly and exits the body within about 12 hours, making it hard to detect in routine drug screenings. For some people, even a dose under 10mg can be fatal. Signs of scopolamine poisoning include rapid heartbeat and palpitations, dry mouth and flushed skin, blurred vision, confusion and disorientation, hallucinations and drowsiness. If you experience any of these, especially after an unexpected drink or interaction, seek medical attention immediately. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Dipa Kamdar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Fears ‘world's scariest Zombie drug' Devil's Breath is in UK after woman suffered horrifying ordeal on tube
Fears ‘world's scariest Zombie drug' Devil's Breath is in UK after woman suffered horrifying ordeal on tube

Scottish Sun

time25-06-2025

  • Health
  • Scottish Sun

Fears ‘world's scariest Zombie drug' Devil's Breath is in UK after woman suffered horrifying ordeal on tube

The drug turns people into malleable zombies who have nightmarish hallucinations DRUG DREAD Fears 'world's scariest Zombie drug' Devil's Breath is in UK after woman suffered horrifying ordeal on tube Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE world's scariest drug Devil's Breath - used by organised crime groups to kidnap Brits abroad - may have made its way into the UK. The mind-warping chemical was once tested by the CIA as a truth serum and turns tourists into "zombies" who give up valuables without a struggle. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Atropa belladonna, commonly known as deadly nightshade, is a highly toxic plant and is used for scopolamine, also known as Devil's Breath Credit: Alamy 4 Deborah Oscar, 30, suspects she was spiked on a London train with 'Devil's Breath' drug Credit: SWNS Also known as scopolamine or burundanga, the powerful drug is derived from the seeds of the Borrachero tree and wipes away memory and free will. The US's Overseas Security Advisory Council has warned travellers to South America about the dangers of Devil's Breath. It is administered via drinks, chewing gum, cigarettes or paper and card. The drug has also been linked to deaths in the UK - including Irish dancer Adrian Murphy, who died in 2019 after his killers administered scopolamine. Last month it was reported that Colombian police fear London-based scientist Alessandro Coatti, 38, who was found dead while on holiday in Santa Marta in April, may have been targeted with Devil's Breath too. While the powdered form is tasteless and odourless, it is a potent drug that can disorient and incapacitate people and lead to hallucinations. How tourists are being targeted with 'Devil's Breath' drug that turns victims into 'zombies' for robberies & kidnaps By Juliana Cruz Lima In doses as small as 10mg, it can paralyse victims and leave them highly susceptible to commands, making them easy prey for criminals. Victims lose their will, forget what happened, and often hand over PINs, valuables and passwords without a fight. Now Colombian gangs are plying unsuspecting tourists with the drug via drinks, chewing gum, cigarettes — or even business cards soaked in the substance — often after luring them through apps like Tinder or Grindr. And the body count is rising. In a UK first, the drug was used in 2019 to murder Irish dancer Adrian Murphy. Teen killer Diana Cristea and her boyfriend Joel Osei met him on Grindr, poisoned him with scopolamine, and ransacked his flat. They were later convicted of murder and attempted murder of a second victim. British-based scientist Alessandro Coatti, 42, was on holiday in Santa Marta last month when he was lured to an abandoned house via Grindr. There, investigators believe he was drugged, bludgeoned to death, dismembered, and stuffed into suitcases. His remains were found scattered across the city, discovered by horrified children. Only his head, hands and feet have been recovered. One of the masterminds behind this chilling criminal trend is alleged gang boss Carolina Mejía Montoya, 27, nicknamed 'The Queen of Scopolamine.' She was arrested in Medellín after years of drugging and robbing foreign tourists in luxury apartments and hotels across the tourist hotspots of El Poblado and Parque Lleras. She racked up millions in thefts, using her beauty to gain the trust of high-profile visitors. In one night alone, she stole more than 120 million pesos from an Italian and an American man, police said. CCTV captured her leading victims into short-term rentals before drugging them and fleeing with their cash, cards and jewellery. Mejía, part of the La Marina gang, had previously been granted house arrest in a gun case — only to vanish and continue her spree. According to the UK Addiction Treatment group, it can also effect memories, make users highly impressionable and even paralyse them. Victims have been raped, convinced to commit violent crimes, emptied their bank accounts and even had their organs stolen while under the influence of this drug. Zaheen Ahmed, Director of Addiction Therapy at The UKAT Group, told The Sun: "It wouldn't be a stretch to suggest that Devil's Breath could have made its way into the UK. "Unfortunately, when there's high demand for drugs, especially 'new' drugs, supply will find a way. "Although primarily found in Columbia, we know that it's already made its way into Europe, and so unfortunately, there is every chance that it is already here." It comes after a woman claimed she was spiked with the terrifying drug on a London tube. Deborah Oscar, 30, was on the Elizabeth Line leaving from Abbey Wood when a woman wafted a newspaper in her face - leaving her feeling "high" and "sleepy - before sitting next to her in an empty carriage. Barely able to keep her eyes open, Deborah remembered a TikTok video she had seen about 'Devil's Breath' - a drug called scopolamine blown on victims to turn them into compliant "zombies" before they are robbed or killed. She stumbled out of the train to safety. Deborah, a content creator, from Abbey Wood, southeast London, is adamant she was hit with the drug which at one point was used in an estimated 50,000 attacks a year in South America, with reports of street robberies in Paris. Deborah said: "This train was fairly empty, and this woman was walking slowly wafting this newspaper staring at me. "I assumed she was a confused tourist about to ask for directions. What is Devil's Breath? 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 "But she just maintained eye contact. It felt eerie and very odd but she was quite well dressed, so I didn't feel scared really, she just looked like a tourist. "Then she came and sat down next to me and I felt like I needed a deep sleep, I suddenly felt very peaceful. "Like the first few seconds when you have anaesthesia before a surgery. "I thought I had low blood sugar, maybe I was about to faint - that's when I remembered videos I had seen about the 'Devil's Breath' drug. "She walked away eventually but kept staring at me the whole time." Deborah said she was left feeling drunk - and that her "mind was working faster than her body", during the incident around 11am on Tuesday, June 17. "The doors closed behind me and I got away - once I stepped into the fresh air outside, the feeling began to subside too. "I had my Yves Saint Laurent bag on me, maybe they thought I was wealthy. But I was wearing a dress from Primark too." After sharing her experience online she said she has had other people contacting her sharing similar experiences in London. When contacted, the Met Police were unable to comment on whether this is a wider issue across London. A TfL spokesperson said: "Everyone should feel safe and be safe when travelling in London and we're very sorry that Ms Oscar experienced what must have been an extremely frightening incident for her. "We take all reports of crime seriously and are investigating this incident "We ask anyone who witnesses or experiences a crime to report it to British Transport Police on 6101." 4 Deborah Oscar was left fearing for her safety after being "spiked" with the drug Credit: SWNS

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store