Karkubi, the drug of the poor

Karkubi is an increasingly sought-after substance among young people for its psychoactive effects, but it can have significant health risks. To learn more about it and the possible problems that its use can cause, this article provides all the relevant information.

What is Karkubi?

Karkubi, which is also referred to as the drug of the poor, is a psychoactive substance that has gained notoriety in several regions, particularly in Morocco and Spain. This drug is predominantly consumed due to its hallucinogenic effects and its capacity to significantly alter the user’s mental state.

Origin and composition of Karkubi

This drug is mainly composed of clonazepam (an anxiolytic medication commercially known as Rivotril), mixed with other ingredients such as hashish, alcohol, and even low-quality pharmaceutical products. This combination creates a powerful effect that can lead to states of euphoria, disinhibition, as well as intense hallucinations.

Moreover, due to this combination of substances, in various communities the Karkubi receives different names that reflect its origin and composition. Some of the most common ones are:

• Drug of the poor
• Black Rivotril
• Red Bullet

These nicknames underline both the economic accessibility of Karkubi and its potential dangers due to its uncontrolled mixture of substances.

Use of Karkubi in Spain and Morocco

Karkubi has garnered significant notoriety in both Spain and Morocco, where it has become a frequently used drug among certain social groups. The substance is known for its various uses and associated trends, including:

In Morocco:

• The consumption of Karkubi has become popular especially in urban and marginalized areas.
• Its low cost and ease of acquisition make it accessible to many young people and individuals with low resources.
• It is associated with situations of unemployment and poverty.
• Used as a way to escape from everyday reality.

In Spain:

• The phenomenon of Karkubi is also present, particularly in areas with high Moroccan immigration, among young people.
• Some studies indicate that the use of this drug is related to contexts of social and economic exclusion.
• Associated with legal problems due to its illegal status.
• Trends show a worrying increase in its consumption, which has led authorities to take preventive measures.

The popularity of Karkubi reflects not only a public health problem, but also a social one, due to the economic and cultural factors that drive its consumption.

Social and health impact of the Karkubi drug

The use of this substance has different positive and negative effects on health, which should be known as:

Hallucinogenic and psychoactive effects

Karkubi, known for its hallucinogenic and psychoactive effects, can lead to:

• States of euphoria, disinhibition, and sensory alterations.
• Distortion in the perception of time and space.
• Visual and auditory hallucinations.
• The ability to alter the mind makes it a dangerous substance, especially when combined with other medications or drugs.

Health risks due to the use of this drug

The health risks associated with Karkubi consumption are numerous. The recurrent use of Karkubi is closely linked to the onset of psychiatric and physical disorders. Among other risks are:

• Liver and kidney damage: prolonged use can lead to liver failure and kidney problems.
• Cardiovascular problems: including arrhythmias and high blood pressure.
• Cognitive impairment: memory loss and learning difficulties.
• Studies suggest that abuse of this drug can trigger psychotic episodes, severe anxiety, and depression. In extreme cases, users may experience delusions and persistent paranoia, further complicating their mental health.

Addiction and social consequences associated

Addiction to Karkubi is an increasingly serious problem. Both physical and psychological dependence can develop rapidly, thereby leading to a destructive cycle that is difficult to break. Therefore, the social consequences are devastating, including heightened social marginalization due to addiction and a corresponding increase in criminality.

Production, distribution, and legal actions against Karkubi

The authorities have stepped up their efforts to combat the manufacturing and distribution of Karkubi. Thus, in different police headquarters, such as the Superior Police Headquarters of Aragon, several significant seizures have been made in recent years, dismantling clandestine laboratories where this drug was prepared. These operations not only focus on capturing the distributors, but also on identifying and closing down the production sites.

One of the most common methods for the illegal acquisition of benzodiazepines, a key component of Karkubi, is through forged prescriptions. In this way, access to large quantities of these medications is obtained, which are then mixed with other ingredients to create Karkubi.

Furthermore, legal actions and police operations have been essential in dismantling distribution networks, with measures that seek not only to reduce the availability of Karkubi, but also to put an end to its illegal trafficking.

In brief, Karkubi has become an alarming social and health crisis due to its low cost and easy access, which makes it especially dangerous for vulnerable communities.