Illegal “Zombie Vapes” Hospitalise 5 Children

Illicit E-cigarettes laced with Spice have been nicknamed “zombie vapes”.

Five children in Eltham, south-east London were hospitalised after using so called “zombie vapes” containing synthetic cannabinoids known as Spice, with one of the five being placed into an induced coma. 

Symptoms included vomiting, reduced levels of consciousness, and confusion.

The Mirror reported that the pupils were aged 14 to 16, and used a blue liquid falsely labelled Vaporesso, a popular vaping brand. 

This comes after officials from Public Health Wales had warned of Spice-laced vapes being marketed as vapes containing cannabis. 

Although the children are all believed to have recovered, the issue is not a lone one. In fact, it has highlighted a nation-wide ‘zombie vape’ problem.

In a separate incident in Merton at the start of the year, two youths were reportedly harmed after using a Spice-laced vape device labelled Lemonade Vape Cookies.

Incidents of children collapsing in school have also occurred in Middlesbrough and Wales, while a report in 2017 suggested that 95 – 98% of Manchester’s homeless people were smoking Spice in some form or another.

Furthermore, a 2022 European Drug report identified hundreds of cases of synthetic cannabinoids in Europe, highlighting the drug as a worldwide problem.

What is Spice?

There are many different types of Spice, some of which bear a molecular resemblance to THC (the psychoactive compound found in cannabis), while others do not.

The chemicals in synthetic cannabinoids attach themselves to the same nerve cell receptors as THC does, but can have much stronger effects.

They can be found as powdered chemicals, and can be both sprayed and dissolved into other substances. Usually, they are sold in a bag of dry plants to which a solution has been sprayed upon.

Now, the pure drug is being mixed with E-Liquids to create the ‘zombie vape’.

What are the health risks of Spice?

There have also been documented reports of spasming heart arteries that have blocked blood to the heart and caused a heart attack.

Individuals who use synthetic marijuana have absolutely no way of knowing what chemicals have been included in the formula. Effects could therefore range from mild to severe, which is why Spice has been likened to a Russian roulette of a drug. 

A report of the effect of Spice on youth in Alaska stated: “The health implications of Spice use are erratic and frightening: heart arrhythmias, hallucinations, seizures, acute kidney failure, violent episodes, and even death and suicide. Users sometimes arrive at hospital emergency departments because they are agitated and violent, hurting themselves and others.”

In addition to this, no one yet knows the long term effects that continual Spice use causes.

Children who have used multiple ‘zombie vapes’ may be at serious risk of a number of these health issues, even if they haven’t had an immediate reaction.

How are ‘zombie vapes’ being laced with Spice?

In a Public Health Wales test of 196 E-Liquid samples, over a third of them were found to contain Spice.

Furthermore, back in 2023, Middlesbrough’s Cleveland Police seized and tested a sample of illicit vapes amid students collapsing in school after using these devices, a number of which were ‘zombie vapes’ containing Spice.

It’s understood by Police that drug dealers are filling refillable e-cigarettes with the inexpensive cannabinoid – and selling them to children as cannabis vapes. 

Mark Adams, Director of Public Health in South Tees, Middlesbrough, said: “Any illicit vapes are very dangerous, and it’s important we get the message out to the public that unregulated vape pens can cause serious damage to the health of our young people.

“Licensed, regulated vapes containing nicotine are a useful tool to help adults quit smoking but they should not be used by anyone under 18.

“But young people thinking of buying these illicit, home-filled devices online have no idea what has gone into them, and the potential danger they could cause.”

In a further statement, Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Ensuring parents and carers get the message loud and clear that these vapes are incredibly dangerous is vital, to help them keep our young people safe.

“I would urge anyone who has information about these vapes to contact the police.”

Are there other illicit vapes out there?

There are a huge amount of illicit vapes on the current UK market. 

Vaping products that fail to meet the standards outlined in the TRPRs, or are considered unsafe according to the GPSRs, are classified as illegal. This could include vapes with a tank capacity above the allowed limit, those lacking proper labelling, or those containing prohibited substances.

‘Zombie vapes’ fall under the latter, and with Trading Standards seizing over 2 million illicit vapes between 2022 and 2023, it’s evident that there could be millions more illegal products containing prohibited substances out there.

What is being done to combat illicit vapes?

Although a disposable vape ban has been introduced and is expected to come into effect by 2025, this will not affect the illicit vape market, which was already illegal yet has been easily accessed by children.

It should be further noted that refillable, rechargeable vapes are being used in the ‘zombie vape’ crisis. This is due to the easy access to the E-Liquid, which is then being contaminated with Spice.

In early 2023, the Prime Minister did announce £30 million to support agencies such as local trading standards, HMRC and Border Force to take more action to stop underage sales and tackle the import of illicit tobacco and vaping products at the border.

How can I avoid zombie vapes?

It’s vital to buy vapes from trusted retailers.

Look at customer reviews and Trustpilot ratings, make sure of secure payment options, and search for evidence of a business’s physical address. Most of the online retailers that would appear should you search for vapes are completely legitimate. 

Avoid buying vapes from off-licence shops, and it’s important to call the police should you gain information of potentially dangerous vapes being sold by anyone.

‘Zombie vapes’ are predominantly sold by drug dealers.

Summary

‘Zombie vapes’ are an extension of the Spice problem the UK has faced now for a decade.

Despite the banning of Spice and its synthetic variants in 2016, its manufacturing and cheap sale has only become more profitable, and its infusion into E-Liquids is a move that highlights this; dealers have taken advantage of the upwards trend in youth vaping since 2020 to sell drugs in a way that targets minors like never before.

Stricter regulations and a stronger crackdown on illicit products coming into the UK is essential.