by What is Scopolamine?
Hyoscine, also known as hyoscine, is a tropane alkaloid drug with anticholinergic effects. It is an ingredient found in several plants indigenous to regions in South America such as Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil. Hyoscine works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter chemical that transmits signals within the nervous system and the muscle fibers. By blocking acetylcholine, hyoscine causes a paralysis of the central and peripheral nervous system.
How Scopolamine Affects the Brain and Body
When inhaled or ingested, hyoscine enters the Scopolamine and crosses the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, it acts as a non-selective antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. This means it blocks the receptor sites for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By doing so, hyoscine causes a delirious state and strongly affects memory formation in the hippocampus. Common physiological effects include blurred vision, dilated pupils, dry mouth, lowered heart rate, fever, hallucinations and delusions. It also causes anterograde amnesia, meaning the person doesn’t remember the events occurring while under the influence of the drug.
Uses of Hyoscine
In modern medicine, hyoscine finds legitimate uses. It is prescribed for nausea, vomiting and motion sickness. Hyoscine patches are used for treating nausea, vomiting and dizziness associated with motion sickness. It is also used to treat intractable nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping caused by gastrointestinal disorders or surrounding structures. Hyoscine eye drops are used to treat conjunctivitis and other eye conditions by causing pupil dilation for examination.
Criminal Uses of Hyoscine
However, hyoscine also has a dark history of criminal misuse, Scopolamine in certain regions of South America. Criminals have exploited hyoscine’s amnesiac and hypnotic properties to commit robbery, fraud and sexual assaults. Victims are given or have hyoscine secretly administered to them, often by putting the drug in their drinks while they are socializing. Once under the influence, victims are much more suggestible to following orders and instructions. Criminals take advantage of this state to force victims to withdraw money from ATMs, reveal bank PIN numbers, transfer money or sign over legal documents like property deeds. Due to memory loss, victims are unable to recall the events afterwards. This phenomenon gave rise to the colloquial term “zombie drug”.
“Burundanga” Attacks
In Colombia, the use of hyoscine to stupefy and rob victims is commonly referred to as “burundanga” attacks. In major cities like Bogota and Medellin, preying on unwitting victims with burundanga has become a notorious criminal method. Victims report waking up in a state of severe confusion with memories of the previous night or day completely missing. Along with stolen cash and valuables, victims often discover suspicions hotel charges and restaurant bills on credit cards they cannot remember incurring. The amnesiac effects of hyoscine make investigations and prosecutions extremely difficult because victims cannot positively identify their assailants. Reports indicate crime groups dedicated to burundanga attacks thoroughly plan and coordinate efforts to target maximum number of victims.
Has Hyoscine Enabled “Zombification”?
Rumors persist about hyoscine enabling a deeper level of zombification than just amnesia and suggestibility. Stories describe victims being given multiple doses of hyoscine over days to render them completely docile and obedient to commands. Claims suggest hyoscine destroys free will and allows total external control over human behavior, effectively “zombifying” victims. However, most medical experts agree the human brain is far more complex and hyoscine effects alone cannot override free will or reprogram human behavior. While hyoscine greatly impairs memory and judgment, reducing inhibition and increasing suggestibility, it does not truly enable zombification in a supernatural sense. Even after the drug leaves the system, individuals maintain their core personality and decision making abilities.
Countering the hyoscine threat
With burundanga attacks on the rise across parts of Colombia and neighboring countries, authorities are taking steps to curb the illegal use of hyoscine. Police are increasing surveillance and undercover operations targeting known criminal groups involved in organized burundanga crimes. Border security has also tightened checks on travelers and shipments from South America, given ongoing smuggling of Hyoscine into other regions. On the medical front, experts are trying to develop antidotes or reversal agents that can rapidly eliminate the effects of hyoscine poisoning and help restore memory gaps in victims.
public awareness campaigns warn citizens on how to recognize symptoms of hyoscine intoxication and steps to take if dosed without consent. However, deterring misuse of this drug remains an ongoing challenge given its wide availability from natural sources. Only continued law enforcement crackdowns and anti-crime efforts will help mitigate the “zombie drug” threat over time.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
