The drug known as “Devil’s Breath,” scientifically known as scopolamine, is a derivative of plants that produce toxic compounds as a defense mechanism. Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medication for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and motion sickness.
Devil’s Breath, in powder form, has become a recreational drug of use as a hallucinogen and for predatory purposes. The Devil’s Breath can cause hallucinations and hypnosis, which for this purpose, has been used for criminal activities such as sexual assault, robberies, and rape.
What is ‘Devil’s Breath’ (Scopolamine)?
Devil’s Breath, also named under scopolamine or hyoscine, derives from the plants of Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium), Scopolia carniolica, and henbane (Hyoscyamus niger). These plants exert toxic compounds known as belladonna alkaloids as a defense mechanism.
Hyoscine (scopolamine) is an anticholinergic that blocks and inhibits the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) activity. This mechanism prevents the function of the parasympathetic nervous system from binding to its receptors in neurons.
Scopolamine produces both central sedative, antimuscarinic properties, antiemetic, and amnestic effects. Devil’s Breath produces smooth muscle relaxation, reduced gland secretion, and sedation. In higher doses, however, scopolamine can cause over-excitement and restlessness.
Scopolamine Medication vs. Devil’s Breath Powder
The most commonly used form of scopolamine in the US is a transdermal patch. To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), scopolamine patches are applied the night before surgery, as their peak effect occurs at 24 hours. The transdermal scopolamine patch can be used for those with motion sickness four hours before exposure.
Scopolamine can cause adverse side effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and dilated pupils. Overdose symptoms of scopolamine can result in tachycardia, hyperthermia, dry membranes, seizures, toxic psychosis, or coma.
Devil’s Breath is the powder form of scopolamine, which can be blown into someone’s face, experiencing its effects within minutes. This dangerous drug blocks neurotransmitters responsible for memory and decision-making, making victims highly vulnerable while under the influence. The impacts of Devil’s Breath can include hallucinations, memory loss, hypnosis, confusion, coma, respiratory failure, and death.
The Global Spread of Devil’s Breath
Devil’s Breath has garnered international attention as a result of its life-threatening uses in criminal activities. This drug has been associated with crimes in Colombia and South America for robberies and assaults and is now spreading to other regions around the globe.
Scopolamine drug-related crimes have reached cities in North America and Europe, including Paris, London, and New York. The effects of this drug can cause severe health risks, both in the short and long term.
How Devil’s Breath is Used in Crime
Criminals are using the Devil’s Breath for its terrifying ability to induce amnesia and make victims highly susceptible to suggestion. Drug-related crimes with scopolamine powder are administered by blowing into the victim’s faces or slipping into their drinks.
The effects of Devil’s Breath can be felt within minutes, making the victims compliant and highly vulnerable. This allows criminals to manipulate the victims into handing over their possessions, withdrawing money, or even escorting them home. Other scopolamine-related incidents have put victims in situations that put them at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Expansion to North America and Europe
The criminal administration of the Devil’s Breath has spread to various parts of Europe and North America. Scopolamine-related crime and incidents have been reported in cities such as New York, Paris, and London.
Criminals are mainly targeting areas with tourists, who are relatively vulnerable and unfamiliar with their surroundings. They are using the same drug-related techniques used in South America, such as spiking drinks with scopolamine or blowing it into their faces. When tourists are under the influence of scopolamine, criminals are better able to take advantage of them through human trafficking, sexual assault, and robbery.
Tourists in Paris have reported being drugged with Devil’s Breath by criminals posing as helpful locals. This can happen when the criminals offer directions or assistance, only for victims to lose consciousness and wake up with no recollection of what happened.
In New York, drink-spiking accidents are happening in famous nightlife districts and significant metropolitan areas. Scopolamine-related incidents occur in bars and nightclubs during nighttime social gatherings, often resulting in personal harm, assault, or theft.
Devil’s Breath Severe Health Risks and Legal Implications
Even in regulated environments, medical use of scopolamine carries significant health risks and concerns. Scopolamine has powerful effects on the brain, which can cause severe hallucinations, disorientation, memory loss, and coma.
In unregulated environments where Devil’s Breath is administered in unknown dosages, the risks are even higher. Criminals are administering inconsistent doses of scopolamine powder without any consideration or concern for the victim’s health. Following these drug-related incidents, the victims often experience psychological trauma, physical harm, and long-term health impacts.
Many countries have begun tightening legal restrictions around the scopolamine drug, increasing penalties for criminal use. While these regulations are getting stricter, criminals are still obtaining these substances in other areas around the globe.
Protecting Yourself from Drug-Related Crimes with Devil’s Breath
As the global spread of scopolamine and Devil’s Breath continues to expand, everyone needs to be aware and proactive to protect themselves. Travelers and tourists must be mindful of these incidents and their associated risks. Whether it’s a well-known tourist destination or a less-popular travel spot, being on your guard and protecting yourself is fundamental.
To protect yourself from these unfortunate situations, never accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended. Stay observant if approached by strangers and other ‘tourists’ offering directions or advice. If you begin experiencing sudden disorientation or hallucinations, seek assistance immediately. Drug-related crimes and assaults are rapidly rising, especially involving scopolamine powder, aka Devil’s Breath.
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References:
- StatPearls, 2023. Scopolamine.
- WebMD, 2022. What Is Devil’s Breath (Scopolamine)?
- Science & Justice, 2013. Rapid determination of scopolamine in evidence of recreational and predatory use.
- Drugs.com, 2024. Devil’s Breath: Urban Legend or the World’s Most Scary Drug?
- StatPearls, 2023. Anticholinergic Medications.
- World Travel Protection. Travel Warning: Scopolamine’s Silent Threat to Tourists.
- Daily Mail News, 2016. The most dangerous drug in the world, the ‘Devil’s Breath’ chemical from Colombia, can block free will, wipe memory, and even kill.
- PubMed Central, 2017. Million dollar ride.