The streets of Metro Detroit are faced with a new drug threat as the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force reported its first seizure of the synthetic drug desomorphine, better recognized by its street name "Krokodil" or "Crocodil," according to CBS News. Known for being about 10 times more potent than morphine, this drug poses a dangerous risk for users, leading to severe physical afflictions such as green, scaly skin resembling that of a crocodile, in addition to potentially fatal health complications like thrombophlebitis, gangrene, and the likelihood of limb amputation.

The origins of its chilling moniker lie in the tragic aftermath of its abuse, as publicized by the St. Clair County Sheriff's Drug Task Force, desomorphine has been known to cause significant damage to blood vessels and tissues near injection sites, resulting the skin to take on a green, scaly appearance for those who use it long-term the effects are often irreversible and progressing from skin damage to limb amputation, and even death, these are the stakes laid bare for anyone who comes into contact with "Krokodil." The drug's damage to the body is such that traditional overdose reversal medications like naloxone may not be effective against it due to its synthetic composition, such a reality compels a push for awareness and prevention within communities, Sheriff Mat King explained, emphasizing the evolving drug trends and the constant re-education of the task force members.

As noted in a release by the The Detroit News, desomorphine often finds its way onto the streets as a substitute for heroin, due to its cheap production costs and potent effects akin to fentanyl, though it differs significantly since it has no accepted medical use in the United States. The Drug Task Force is taking proactive steps to educate and protect local communities, recognizing the urgency of staying abreast with illicit drug trends and strategizing on how to eliminate them effectively.

Despite the recent initiative to stave off the circulation of this perilous drug, specifics regarding the location of its discovery or the seized amount remain undisclosed; however, the severity of the threat it poses cannot be understated as reiterated by the Sheriff's words, as per WXYZ Detroit, "The Drug Task Force adapts with the everchanging climate of drugs within the community, and this is no exception. Members are constantly educating themselves on new drug trends and are committed to educating the community to keep citizens safe. They are doing everything they can do eliminate all sources of Desomorphine, just as in all other illegal controlled substances".