Krokodil in Niagara

A warning from police about an extremely dangerous drug that has turned up on the streets in Niagara region.

It’s called krokodil and the name developed because the drug causes scaly, crocodile-like skin around the injection site. It does horrible things to the body.

The drug is a neurotoxin that causes brain damage, damage to internal organs, and produces severe tissue damage that, at times, requires limb amputations. Pictures are graphic but the damage done can be far worse.

Niagara police say krokodil is an injectable opioid used by heroin addicts. It’s a mix of gasoline, industrial cleaning oil, lighter fluid, and paint thinner, all mixed with codeine. Police say some users thought they were buying heroin until they developed unsightly sores.

This drug is said to be extremely addictive, and so far there have been two reported cases in Niagara region.