Latest news with #Atropabelladonna
The Irish Sun
25-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Fears ‘world's scariest Zombie drug' Devil's Breath is in UK after woman suffered horrifying ordeal on tube
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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Read more 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 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. 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. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive 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. Advertisement Deborah Oscar, 30, was on the 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement "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. Advertisement "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 Advertisement "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 4 The incident went down on the Elizabeth Line as it left Abbey Wood Credit: Getty
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
From Deadly Nightshade to Rosary Pea: Here are the 10 world's most poisonous plants
Plants play a vital role in our environment by offering beauty, food and healing. However, some plants contain deadly toxins that can cause severe harm or even death to humans and animals. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These poisonous plants have evolved unique defenses to protect themselves from predators but they can be dangerous if touched or ingested. In this article, we will explore the 10 most poisonous plants in the world by revealing their toxic properties and the risks they pose. Understanding these plants is important for safety and awareness, especially for gardeners, hikers and anyone who spends time outdoors. 10 of the world's deadliest plants Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) Deadly Nightshade, also known as Atropa belladonna, is one of the most toxic plants found in nature. Native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, this plant contains powerful poisons called alkaloids which mainly contain atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. These chemicals affect the nervous system and can cause symptoms like blurred vision, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, seizures and even death if ingested in large amounts. Its berries look tempting but are highly poisonous, especially to children. Historically, belladonna was used in medicine and cosmetics but requires extreme caution due to its deadly nature. It's a classic example of how beauty can hide danger. Source: Wikipedia Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Tobacco is widely known for its use in cigarettes and other products but it is also one of the most poisonous plants on Earth. The plant contains a powerful toxin called nicotine, which is highly addictive and harmful to humans and animals. Nicotine affects the nervous system and in large doses can cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, seizures and even death. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While tobacco is legal and commonly used, its toxic effects make it dangerous especially when consumed excessively or by children and pets. Tobacco's deadly nature shows how some plants can be harmful despite their widespread use. Source: Wikipedia Manchineel (Hippomane mancinella) Manchineel is considered one of the deadliest trees in the world. They are found mainly in the Caribbean, Florida and parts of Central and South America and every part of this tree is highly toxic. Its sap contains strong toxins that can cause severe skin burns, blisters and eye injuries if touched. Even standing under the tree during rain can cause skin irritation because the water carries the toxins. Eating its small green fruit, often called beach apples, can be fatal. Due to its extreme toxicity, locals often warn people to stay far away from the manchineel tree. Source: Wikipedia Lily-Of-The-Valley (Convallaria majalis) Lily-of-the-Valley is a beautiful flowering plant known for its delicate white bell-shaped flowers and sweet fragrance. Despite its charm, it is highly poisonous. All parts of the plant including the flowers, leaves, and berries IT contain toxic compounds called cardiac glycosides. These chemicals can affect the heart by causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat and in severe cases even heart failure. Even small amounts can be dangerous if ingested and because of its toxicity, Lily-of-the-Valley should be handled carefully and kept away from children and pets. Source: Wikipedia Oleander (Nerium oleander) Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a popular ornamental shrub known for its beautiful flowers that come in pink, red, white or yellow. However, it is extremely poisonous. Every part of the plant including the leaves, flowers and stems contains toxic compounds called cardiac glycosides that can affect the heart. Ingesting even a small amount can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat and in severe cases, death. Because of its toxicity, oleander should never be eaten and should be handled with care, especially around children and pets. Source: Wikipedia Rosary Pea (Abrus precatorius) Rosary Pea is a plant famous for its bright red seeds with a black spot, often used in jewelry. However, these seeds are highly poisonous because they contain a toxin called abrin. If the seeds are chewed or crushed and swallowed, the toxin can cause severe poisoning leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even death. The seeds are dangerous only if broken but swallowing whole seeds usually doesn't cause harm. Because of its deadly toxin, Rosary Pea should be handled with great care and kept away from children and pets. Cerbera odollam Cerbera odollam which is commonly known as the Suicide Tree is a highly toxic plant found in parts of Asia. Every part of the tree, especially its seeds contains deadly cardiac glycosides that can disrupt heart function. Ingesting even a small amount can cause severe poisoning leading to symptoms like vomiting, irregular heartbeat, seizures and potentially death. Due to its extreme toxicity, Cerbera odollam has been historically associated with accidental and intentional poisonings. It's important to handle this plant with caution and keep it away from children and animals. Source: Wikipedia Hemlock water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) Hemlock Water-Dropwort is one of the most poisonous plants found in Europe. It grows in wet places like riverbanks and marshes and looks quite harmless with white umbrella-shaped flower clusters. However, all parts of this plant are extremely toxic due to a powerful poison called oenanthotoxin. Ingesting even a small amount can cause severe symptoms such as seizures, paralysis and respiratory failure which can be fatal if not treated quickly. Because it closely resembles some edible plants, it's important to be cautious when foraging near water. Source: Wikipedia Monkshood (Aconitum genus) Monkshood, which is also known as Wolf's Bane belongs to the Aconitum genus and is known for its beautiful hood-shaped blue or purple flowers. Despite its pretty appearance, all parts of the plant are highly toxic. It contains powerful toxins called aconitine that affect the heart and nervous system. Even small amounts can cause numbness, nausea, irregular heartbeat and in severe cases, death. Historically, it was used as poison on arrows. Because of its extreme danger, Monkshood should never be touched or ingested without expert knowledge. Source: Wikipedia Thornapples (Datura genus) Thornapples are highly poisonous plants containing toxic chemicals like atropine and scopolamine. These toxins affect the nervous system and can cause severe symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, dry mouth and even death if ingested. All parts of the plant like flowers, leaves, seeds and stems are toxic. Due to their dangerous effects, Thornapples should be handled with extreme care and never consumed. Source: Wikipedia
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners with dogs urged to avoid 14 'poisonous' plants
As the weather warms up many dog owners will want to spend more time outdoors, but there are a number of hazards to watch out for – including some surprisingly popular plants The names of some plants, for example Poison Ivy and Deadly Nightshade, make it clear to gardeners that they should be approached with caution. But there is a whole range of common garden favourites that dog owners, in particular, should be wary of planting. BBC expert Monty Don is preparing to launch his pet-friendly RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show later this month – promising "all the things that dogs love, regardless of horticultural fashion, and a beautiful space". But as he does, gardeners are being reminded that many plants, while attractive to the eye, can have a devastating effect if chewed by inquisitive pets Spring into danger Now that Spring is here, we should be particularly careful of bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocuses and bluebells, which can all have a harmful effect on dogs. Many dogs love to dig and puppies, especially, are prone to chewing things that they find – including, sometimes, flower bulbs. Dog owners should always take care to supervise their pets in unfamiliar gardens. Even Monty's dog-friendly garden contains a sectioned off area that can only be accessed by dogs when their owners are with them. Some very popular plants can cause severe, and even life-threatening reactions if chewed by pets. Advice from the Kennel Club warns that dogs can become severely unwell if they even drink water from a vase that has contained daffodils. Effects from daffodil poisoning can include drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. Dogs may seem sleepy or uncoordinated. In some more severe cases the animal can suffer fits. Walking in woodland at this time of year, you may help happen upon a glorious carp[et of bluebells. Again, while pleasing to the eye, almost every part of this plant contains a toxin that affects dogs' hearts. While bluebells are quite unpleasant-tasting to dogs, and so unlikely to be eaten in large quantities, they have the potential to have a severe, and in rare cases fatal effect. Tulips are another common springtime favourite. But a toxin found in the bulb can cause severe irritation to a dog's mouth and digestive system, causing drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. In extreme cases, heart problems and breathing difficulties can develop. Amateur Gardening magazine warns that there are several other hazards to watch out for, including, at this time of year, barbecue leftovers; discarded skewers off sharp bones can be deadly if they are left where dogs can reach them. "There have been cases of ash balls in the stomachs of pets that have eaten large amounts of ash covered in meat fat," warns expert Sue Bradley. The toxic plant list Sue listed 14 plants that dogs should be wary of, including popular daffodils, but warned there may be more: Deadly nightshade (A tropa belladonna) Poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron) Spring bulbs (such as daffodils and snowdrops) Azaleas (Rhododendron indicum) Elephant ears (Bergenia spp) Castor bean (Ricinus communis) Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) Oleander (Nerium oleander) Alpine daphne (Daphne alpina) Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). Holly-leaved hellebore (Helleborus argutifolius) Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Two-lobed false hydrangea (Hydrangea bifida). She also warned that rhubarb leaves and onions can be dangerous for dogs. Risk factors Other common garden hazards to look out for at this time of year include mushrooms, toads – which tend to be more active in warmer weather and can secrete dangerous poisons from their skin – and sap from popular trees such as Leylandii. If you think that your dog may have eaten, touched or inhaled something that it shouldn't have, speak to your vet straight away. Never try to make your dog vomit. Trying to do this can cause other complications, which may harm your dog.
