Arabic version: عاملون في أوهايو يواجهون تهديد «ترانك» المتنامي

According to BBC News, the US drug supply is changing as deadly synthetic substances, including strong animal tranquillisers known on the streets as “tranq”, are added to the mix. The report examines efforts in Columbus, Ohio, where recovery workers are concerned about the potency of newer drugs.

America has fought the War on Drugs for decades, but drug cartels, suppliers and dealers appear to remain ahead of authorities. President Trump has declared cartels “terrorists” and labelled fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, a “weapon of mass destruction”.

Fentanyl remains part of a drug supply that is evolving with the addition of other synthetic substances. Although overdose deaths are falling, the strength of the new drugs has heightened concern among people working with those seeking recovery.

The BBC report suggests that reducing demand may be part of the response. For some people, that could mean providing support to drug users and helping them end addiction. BBC international correspondent Quentin Sommerville and camera journalist Darren Conway travelled to Columbus to report on the issue.