NATIONAL NEWS - DESOMORPHINE (dihydrodesoxymorphine), more commonly known by its street name ‘krokodil’, is a derivative of morphine.

Powerful, fast-acting and highly addictive is how the drug has been described, with opioid effects which will, more than likely, kill its user within two years. And it seems the devil has his sights set on the South Coast.

Unconfirmed reports of a drug which causes extreme ulcerations and infections, have been received on the South Coast. With the cost of a single straw of whoonga at around R30, krokodil could easily take over.

First patented in 1934, desomorphine was used in Switzerland under the brand name Permonid. It is described as fast-acting and a of short duration of action, with little nausea or respiratory depression, as opposed to the same doses of morphine. This is understandable, as desomorphine is eight to ten times more potent dose-by-dose.

Desomorphine did have medical uses, although this matters little now, as it was terminated in 1981.

The ingredients in this potent drug cannot be confirmed, much like whoonga, although it appears to be deadlier and cheaper.

The dangerous chemicals used in the production of krokodil are not always fully ‘cooked’ out, making the damage caused by the drug even worse. Injecting the drug can cause extreme ulcerations, infections and gangrene, a discolored scale-like skin that resembles that of a crocodile, hence the street name.

These are but a few of the hazards of being a krokodil user. Other hazards range from blood vessel damage to nerve damage and the amputation of limbs.

Highs tend to last less than two hours, leaving the craving user with withdrawals worse than those associated with common forms of heroin such as whoonga.

Users who don’t shootup again soon experience excruciating withdrawals which can last for days. Due to the drug’s short highs, users quickly administer the drug again to avoid withdrawal pains, cramps, diarrhoea, insomnia and overall sickness, resulting in even quicker dependence.