Scientists warn of the threat posed by developments in heroin production. The notion of ‘home made’ heroin would have been laughable only a few short years ago.
Not so anymore.
Here is why:
Following the development of genetically altered yeast at the University of California in Berkeley, home made heroin could hit our streets in less than five years time. The GM yeast is designed to mimic the DNA of poppies. Scientific developments would render the traditional poppy farm almost obsolete. ‘Heroin factories’ could pop up across the United Kingdom in much the same way as ‘cannabis farms’ have in the past.
Once criminals acquire the GM yeast all that is required is simple fermentation skills. The yeast if fed with glucose to form morphine. Morphine is then converted into raw heroin. All that is required is a basic home brewing kit.
The GM yeast was developed by scientists in order to produce morphine for medicinal purposes. Scientist expect the technology to fall into criminal hands sooner rather than later. Local production dramatically cuts the cost of distributing illegal drugs and would flood our streets with cheap but powerful heroin.
Since more than 16 million people Worldwide are hooked on heroin, this technology falling into the wrong hands could have devastating consequences for people living in many different countries. In the UK home-grown heroin would likely put considerable strain on the NHS who would be left to pick up the pieces.
Ocean Recovery offers a comprehensive 28 day heroin detox programme and abbreviated rapid opiate detox programme at our centres in Blackpool and London.
Posted on Wednesday, May 27th, 2015 at 3:26 pm in News.
