A disturbing scene unfolded on the busy streets of Poznań, leaving passers-by rubbing their eyes in disbelief. Two young men, exhibiting bizarre, zombie-like behavior, were captured on video and quickly sparked concerns about the presence of fentanyl in the city.
The footage shows one of the young men kneeling, pressing his face against a man-shaped silhouette painted on the sidewalk. His companion stands nearby, struggling to maintain his balance. The strange behavior, captured in broad daylight on ul. Kórnicka in Poznań Rataje, near the dorms of the polytechnic and the intersection with John Paul II Street, has raised alarms. A green and yellow tram typical of Poznań can be seen in the background, underscoring the public nature of the incident.
Could This Be Fentanyl?
Comments on the video quickly suggested that the young men might have ingested fentanyl, a substance notorious for its potency and danger. Unlike the hyperactivity associated with other drugs, fentanyl users often exhibit slow movements and unusual postures, as seen in the video.
Fentanyl przybył do Polski.
— Wolność i Tradycja (@spolecznapolska) June 12, 2024
Poznań.
pic.twitter.com/qaF2qlHgg6
Expert Insight: The Lethal Danger of Fentanyl
Dr. Eryk Matuszkiewicz, a toxicologist at the City Hospital Raszei in Poznań, provided insights into the dangers of fentanyl. “Fentanyl is the strongest opioid in the world, far more potent than heroin. It’s typically administered to terminal cancer patients for pain relief,” he explained. The drug induces a state of bliss, extreme drowsiness, and slows down bodily functions to the point where it can stop breathing entirely.
“Fentanyl is exceptionally dangerous because it acts quickly and powerfully. People become drowsy, fall asleep, and their breathing stops. It can kill almost instantly,” Matuszkiewicz warned.
Rising Concerns in Poland
While fentanyl-related incidents have been relatively rare in Poland, their occurrence is on the rise. The country has witnessed a wave of hospitalizations linked to the drug, a trend reminiscent of the fentanyl epidemic in the United States.
“In Poland, we’ve started seeing more cases of fentanyl use, though it’s not yet an epidemic. But the trend is worrying,” noted Matuszkiewicz.
A Grim Reminder from Żuromin
This incident in Poznań comes on the heels of a series of fentanyl-related deaths in Żuromin, where several individuals died under mysterious circumstances. The cases have drawn attention to the growing threat of fentanyl in Poland, with reports suggesting that dealers are targeting young people.
The Public’s Reaction
The viral video has not only shocked the local community but also underscored the urgent need for public awareness and preventive measures against the spread of fentanyl. Authorities are now tasked with addressing this emerging threat before it claims more lives.
As the city grapples with this alarming development, the residents of Poznań are left with a chilling reminder of the deadly consequences of fentanyl, a drug that has already wreaked havoc across the Atlantic and is now making its presence felt in Poland.
