Viral 'Zombie Drug' Videos Spark Concern in India

Experts warn against rumors as Xylazine's serious health risks emerge

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:55am

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring, where the figure of a person standing motionless is defined entirely by vibrant, glowing neon lines against a dark background, conveying a sense of lifelessness and detachment.Viral videos of unresponsive individuals spark concerns over the spread of dangerous 'zombie drugs' in India.Philadelphia Today

Viral videos from Bengaluru and Chandigarh showing unresponsive individuals have sparked fears of the so-called 'zombie drug' Xylazine spreading in India. While the exact causes are unconfirmed, experts are urging caution against rumors as Xylazine, originally an animal tranquilizer, can have severe health consequences if mixed with illegal drugs.

Why it matters

The back-to-back incidents have raised alarms about a potentially dangerous substance making its way into Indian cities, with some speculating it may have entered through cross-border routes. Xylazine is known to cause extreme drowsiness, slow breathing, and severe skin wounds that can worsen quickly, posing serious public health risks.

The details

The latest viral video is from Bagalur near Bengaluru, showing a man standing completely still for several minutes, appearing unresponsive and unaware of his surroundings. A similar incident was reported in Chandigarh last month, where a man believed to be a delivery worker was seen standing still in a residential area for nearly two hours. Xylazine, often referred to as a 'zombie drug,' is known to leave users in a motionless, almost lifeless state for extended periods. It is not meant for human consumption and has been found mixed with illegal drugs like heroin and fentanyl to increase their effects. One of the biggest risks is that Xylazine does not respond to naloxone, the standard treatment used to reverse opioid overdoses.

  • In April 2026, a viral video from Bagalur near Bengaluru sparked fresh fears about the 'zombie drug'.
  • In March 2026, a similar incident was reported in Chandigarh, where a man was seen standing still in a residential area for nearly two hours.

The players

Xylazine

An animal tranquilizer that has been found mixed with illegal drugs like heroin and fentanyl, causing serious health issues when consumed by humans.

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What’s next

Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging the public to be cautious about unverified claims. Further investigation is needed to determine the extent of Xylazine's presence and its impact on public health in India.

The takeaway

The 'zombie drug' scare highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance around the dangers of illicit drug use, as well as the importance of robust public health systems to address emerging substance abuse challenges.