Krokodil, also known as crocodile, croc or krok, is an illegal home-made opioid denominated desomorphine. It is a highly dangerous drug because some of the toxic substances used to produce it such as drain un-blocker, bleach and petrol.
The effects of this drug happen approximately 15–30 seconds after an intravenous injection and approximately 3–5 minutes for the subcutaneous administration. Addiction takes place almost immediately for new users and death is very slow and painful because of the sores and abscesses that appear as it slowly rots human flesh and bone.
History of krokodil
The use of krokodil was first reported in Siberia, a North-East European region of Russia also known as North Asia, in 2002. After that, the use quickly spread throughout urban centres and remote areas of Russia and some of the former Soviet Republic countries such as Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Krokodil has been largely used in the last few years for recreational purposes in Russia and several European and American countries.
The worlds media have described krokodil as “Flesh-eating heroin” or a “Flesh-rotting drug”. In Russian, it is also called “Russian Magic,” referring to its potential for short-lasting opioid intoxication or “drug of the poor,” referring to its use as a cheap substitute for the more expensive heroin.
The street name “Krokodil” maybe derived from α-chlorocodide, which is one of the ingredients obtained from codeine in the homemade production of desomorphine. But, because krokodil causes the skin to discolour (turn green and black) and peel off and become scaly like a crocodile, that is more likely to be the origination of name.
Dangers of krokodil
Because desomorphine is an opiate, side-effects include miosis, flushing and paraesthesia, as well as constipation and urinary retention, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, the intoxication by desomorphine can cause allergic reactions, seizures, and respiratory depression leading to death.
The most harrowing fact is that, even though the producers of this dreadful drug are fully aware that an addicts life expectancy, even if they are very strong and healthy, is a mere 2 to 3 years, they still persist in making and selling it.
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