Devil`s Breath Plant Legal
A comprehensive review of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases using the search terms criminals, poisoning, intoxication and scopolamine revealed 40 documented cases of intentional and unintentional scopolamine poisoning, although precise information about this poisoning is difficult to determine.2 In one case, a 28-year-old woman was poisoned by an elegantly dressed man. She then cashed her paycheck and gave him the money.2 During a meditation session, 30 people were intentionally poisoned and many needed supportive treatment.7 In another case, a 19-year-old man intentionally took an unknown amount of D-stramonium seeds to feel their hallucinogenic effects and was found dead.8 The increase in abuse led to that in some areas, it has been forbidden by law to plant certain plant species that produce potentially lethal toxins.9 “It is not a drug that you can buy as you could buy another new psychoactive substance, a legal high, or anything. It is not available in this sense because it is not a drug that you want to take for a pleasant purpose. “~ Dr. Les King, chemist and former forensic pathologist There are few substances surrounded by as much myth – and fear – as scopolamine hydrobromide. Although it is known as one of the oldest herbal alkaloids and despite being listed by the World Health Organization as an “essential medicine”, scopolamine is gaining a reputation as “the most dangerous drug in the world”. In Colombia, scopolamine is called “the devil`s breath” – because it steals your soul Derived from the seeds of a rather pretty harmless plant, I had unknowingly passed this bell-shaped white shrub frequently on the side of the road before knowing its disturbing uses. If you`re interested in Vice`s documentaries, there`s a pretty interesting one about Devil`s Breath in Colombia that you can visit here: youtu.be/ToQ8PWYnu04 As anyone who works in the world of illegal pharmaceuticals knows, it doesn`t take long for an easy-to-make drug to be distributed around the world. Since many people are unaware of the side effects of scopolamine and the fact that it is not considered an illegal drug such as crack, cocaine or heroin, it may not be noticeable at checkpoints. When shipped as transdermal patches, it can seem as harmless as smoking cessation tools.
Scopolamine, also known as Burundanga, is a tropical alkaloid produced by plant species such as Hyoscyamus albus and Datura stramonium.1 The use of these plants worldwide ranges from food to ornaments to medicinal preparations that exploit their powerful anticholinergic, antiemetic and hallucinogenic properties.2–4 Since the 1950s, criminal administration of datura extracts has been reported in South America.2 The most fascinating phenomenon observed in Burundanga poisoning is not anticholinergic side effects (i.e. Mydriasis, confusion and palpitations), but the submissive and obedient behavior of the victim.2 This phenomenon is caused by a reduction in declarative memory.5 Criminals typically use Burundanga to take their victims on the “million-dollar journey” in which victims obediently withdraw money from an ATM. The drug is often blown in the face of victims or placed in their drinks. Victims often hand over their valuables to criminals without resistance. Neither the victim nor the inhabitants of the area are aware that a crime is being committed, so there are usually no witnesses. Although known in South America, the criminal use of scopolamine has rarely been described in the Canadian primary care literature. This report serves to educate FPs on the importance of considering scopolamine poisoning in amnesia and anticholinergic toxidromas. Okay, that`s what really blew me away by the devil`s breath – Burundanga has actually been used in indigenous ceremonies for hundreds of years. Traditionally, when the king of a tribe died, it was customary to bury his wife and servants next to him.
They dug huge graves to accommodate everyone, and instead of killing them, they were given the breath of the devil.
