Designed to put large animals such as cows and horses to sleep, this tranquilizer can be fatal for humans. Experts say this substance, which many consider harmless, is alarming.
Illegal global xylazine has so far mostly been mixed with powerful opioid drugs such as heroin or fentanyl.
There has already been one death in the UK and there is concern that abuse could increase as it has in the US.
Dr. Caroline Copeland from King's College London and colleagues said that new types of illicit xylazine products are entering the UK market. In addition to risky electronic cigarettes, codeine and tablets containing xylazine, sold as diazepam or Valium, were also found.
Researchers contacted all toxicology laboratories in the UK to obtain data.
Consumption of such electronic cigarettes can result in difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, infected wounds, addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms, as well as death.
