Spice Drug Fuels London's Homeless Crisis, Turning Users Into 'Zombies'

LONDON – A synthetic cannabinoid known on the streets as Spice is rapidly becoming the drug of choice for many of London's rough sleepers, transforming users into a zombie-like state and exacerbating the city's homelessness crisis. The drug, notorious for its potent and rapid effects, can be purchased for as little as £3 per dose, making it an accessible, albeit dangerous, option for those living on the streets.

Observations in areas like Victoria and Westminster reveal widespread use of Spice. Individuals are frequently seen consuming the drug in public spaces, often slumping over or appearing disoriented shortly after use. Westminster Council members and outreach workers have documented instances of users losing control of bodily functions, appearing unresponsive, and exhibiting erratic behavior.

Claire Dunn, from Westminster Council's public protection team, highlighted the drug's affordability as a key factor in its proliferation. "People can get a small amount for around £3," she stated. "And if there's a group of them and they can muster £30 they can often buy it more cheaply still because dealers will sell larger quantities for less. That means the supply-and-demand cycle just perpetuates itself."

The drug's effects are described as horrifying, with users sometimes appearing not to be breathing or communicating. The situation is compounded by the fact that Spice is often adulterated with other substances, creating unpredictable and dangerous "Frankenstein" concoctions. Users, desperate for a hit, may scavenge for remnants of the drug, with one user describing the experience as a constant struggle to stop, only to find themselves seeking another dose soon after.

Westminster Council's latest count recorded 293 rough sleepers across the borough, with 61 identified in the Victoria area alone. Of those in Victoria, over one in five either remained unidentified or refused engagement with outreach teams. Council officials estimate that between 10 and 20 percent of rough sleepers approached by outreach teams reject offered help.

Councillor Caroline Sargent, Westminster's deputy leader and cabinet member for enforcement, noted that while the council is attempting to address homelessness, many individuals with complex needs, including addiction, repeatedly refuse support. This refusal contributes to ongoing antisocial behavior, including public drug use and defecation, which impacts residents and businesses.

"When you don't tackle things quickly, they fester," Sargent said. "That is why we are trying to do something about this."

The council faces challenges in managing the crisis, with limited powers compared to law enforcement. Enforcement officers cannot physically remove individuals from the pavement. The repeal of the Vagrancy Act has shifted the legal framework away from blanket criminalization of rough sleeping and begging towards more targeted measures for harmful behavior.

Adding to the complexity, the supply of drugs often involves young, exploited individuals acting as "runners." Ms. Dunn explained that these young people, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, are offered small sums for selling drugs, with new runners quickly replacing those who are arrested.

"For these kids it looks like easy money, but they are being targeted and exploited," she said.

Paola, a 49-year-old who has been rough sleeping for four years, avoids Victoria at night due to the dangers posed by other homeless individuals and dealers, stating, "I come here to eat. But I never stay overnight. It's too dangerous."

Councilors have expressed concerns about the diminishing police presence in certain areas, which they believe hinders effective enforcement. Local officers are frequently diverted to other duties, leaving a gap in the response to persistent antisocial behavior. Despite efforts from charities and outreach programs, the pervasive issue of Spice addiction presents a formidable challenge for authorities aiming to provide support and improve public safety.