Located within the Aburra Valley within the Colombian portion of the Andes Mountains, Medellin is a vibrant metropolis with dazzling nightlife, wealthy tradition, pleasant locals, and a temperate local weather.
The town attracts guests from everywhere in the world and has been a hotspot for People in recent times. 1.4 million guests went to Medellin final 12 months, 40% of which have been People.
Sadly, together with the whole lot that makes Medellin so distinctive, there’s a darkish aspect, and plenty of American males are discovering themselves victims of what locals confer with as burundanga. Within the final two months of 2023, eight US residents died within the metropolis of Medellín, in incidents involving drugging or suspected homicide.
What’s Burundanga?
Burundanga, also called Satan’s Breath, is a drug medically referred to as scopolamine. Historically, scopolamine is used to deal with nausea, however in massive doses, it might probably render a sufferer unconscious for twenty-four hours, block their reminiscence, and make them prepared to offer personal info comparable to financial institution and password info.
Scopolamine is tough to detect attributable to its odorless, tasteless, and scentless properties. It may be administered as a sprig, liquid, or powder, and most regarding of all, in uncommon circumstances, it might probably trigger respiratory failure and loss of life.
U.S. Embassy Safety Alert
On January 10, 2024, the U.S. Embassy Bogota issued a security alert concerning eight suspicious deaths of U.S. residents in Medellin, recorded between November 1 and December 31, 2023. These incidents, characterised by involuntary drugging overdoses or suspected homicides, seem like unrelated because of the distinct circumstances surrounding every case. Nonetheless, a sample of drugging, theft, and overdose has emerged, with a number of circumstances linked to using on-line relationship functions.
The Tourism Observatory of the District Personnel of Medellin reported a big uptick in crimes in opposition to international guests, with thefts growing by 200 % and violent deaths by 29 % within the third quarter of 2023 in comparison with the earlier 12 months. Notably, the vast majority of victims in these violent deaths have been U.S. residents. Criminals have been exploiting relationship apps to focus on victims, arranging conferences in public locations to assault and rob them. There have been quite a few situations the place U.S. residents in Colombia have been drugged and robbed, and in some circumstances, killed, by people they met by these functions.
The Embassy has noticed an increase in reviews of such incidents over the previous 12 months, notably in main cities together with Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota. These crimes are sometimes underreported because of the victims’ embarrassment and reluctance to have interaction with the judicial course of.
Given this alarming pattern, the U.S. Embassy advises residents to train elevated vigilance, improve their situational consciousness, and undertake stringent private safety measures throughout their keep in Colombia.
How one can Shield Your self
In case you are touring, there are all the time steps you need to take to guard your self. For instance, you need to all the time inform somebody you belief your plans and whereabouts, however there are particular steps you possibly can take to guard your self from burundanga.
- Keep away from going locations alone or leaving with a stranger.
- Don’t settle for meals or drink from strangers.
- Don’t go away meals or drink unattended.
- Name “123” from any Colombian payphone if you’re in speedy hazard.
- In case you are assembly somebody from a relationship web site, ship their photograph and data to a buddy to allow them to be discovered in case your electronics are stolen.
Staying Protected and Having Enjoyable in Medellin
Colombia is a wonderful place to go to, and Medellin is certainly one of its nationwide treasures. Guests have a lot to take pleasure in and uncover on this South American city, however it’s all the time essential to remain alert and conscious.
