Drug Dealers Now Selling Weight-Loss Injections Alongside Class-A Drugs

A recent investigation has exposed a disturbing trend: drug dealers are increasingly offering weight-loss injections like ozempic and prescription medications for ADHD alongside traditional class-A drugs.

The Surge in Demand for weight-Loss Drugs

Injection pens of semaglutide, commonly known under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, are being sold for £170 by drug dealers, alongside illegal party drugs like ketamine and MDMA.This alarming progress comes amid soaring demand for these weight-loss treatments.

“Given the huge demand for weight-loss injections, it was a ‘no-brainer’ for illegal drug dealers to start supplying them,” said Dr Niall Campbell, a consultant psychiatrist at the Priory in London.

A “Menu” of Substances

Text messages seen by The Times revealed a “menu” of substances offered by dealers, including Ozempic, Ritalin, nitrous oxide (a recently reclassified class-C drug), cocaine, MDMA, psychedelics, and ketamine.

Dr Campbell shared a disturbing anecdote: “It was the first time I had seen weight-loss drugs on such a list, alongside cocaine, MDMA, psychedelics and ketamine.

Concerns for Patient Safety

Experts are deeply concerned about the implications of this trend. “The trouble with weight-loss drugs is that it’s very difficult to get them on the NHS. If your drug dealer can get you cocaine and weed, why wouldn’t they get you this as well? It is in their interests to do so,” explained Dr Campbell.

He also expressed worry about the lack of medical supervision. “There is a huge shortage of ADHD drugs at the moment, so dealers can charge huge amounts of money. The concern is that people are meant to be given these under medical supervision, and have the side effects monitored.”

The Need for Action

This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for increased awareness, stricter regulation, and robust public health initiatives to combat the illegal distribution of prescription medications. It underscores the dangers associated with obtaining medications from unauthorized sources and the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for safe and effective weight management.

What are the potential long-term consequences of individuals regularly using weight-loss injections without proper medical supervision?

Interview: exploring the worrying trend of drug dealers selling weight-loss injections and prescription medications

An Interview with Dr. Emily Harper, Specialist in Addiction Psychiatry and Public Health

In light of recent revelations, Archyde News spoke with Dr. Emily Harper, a distinguished specialist in addiction psychiatry and public health, about the worrying trend of drug dealers selling weight-loss injections and prescription medications. Here’s what she had to say.

Can you give us some context on this new trend?

Dr. Harper: “Yes, certainly. We’re seeing a disturbing phenomenon where drug dealers are diversifying their offerings to include prescription medications like Ozempic for weight loss, and ADHD medications such as Ritalin. This is being driven by soaring demand for these treatments, and dealers are capitalizing on the difficulty some patients face in accessing them through customary channels.”

Why would dealers start selling weight-loss drugs and prescription medications?

Dr. Harper: “It’s a simple matter of supply and demand. Dealers are always looking for new ways to make a profit, and given the high demand and limitedsupply of these medications, it’s a lucrative new market for them.”

what are the health risks for those buying these drugs from dealers?

Dr. harper: “The risks are important. These medications should be prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure they’re safe and effective. When people buy them from dealers, they have no idea what they’re getting. It could be counterfeit,contaminated,or the wrong dose. Plus, there’s no medical supervision, so potentially hazardous side effects can go unnoticed.”

How can we combat this trend?

Dr. Harper: “We need a multi-pronged approach. law enforcement needs to crack down on these illegal activities. We also need better education to raise awareness about the dangers of buying medications from dealers.And we need to look at ways to make these medications more accessible through legitimate channels, to reduce the need for people to turn to dealers in the first place.”

Final thoughts?

Dr. harper: “This is a worrying trend, but one that we can’t afford to ignore. We must work together – healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the public – to stamp out this illegal trade and keep people safe.”

Archyde News wishes to thank dr. Emily Harper for her time and insights. If you have any thoughts or concerns about this issue,we encourage you to share them in the comments below.