‘Knock-out drug’ Jitters - Public health expert vows to probe ‘Devil’s Breath’ reports

Jamaicans are being urged to remain alert amid claims that a dangerous substance known as Devil's Breath is being used by criminals to quickly incapacitate victims, leaving them vulnerable to crimes such as sexual assault and robbery.

The substance is reportedly odourless and tasteless, which makes it easy to slip into drinks or even blow into a person's face without detection.

Last week, a phone technician issued a chilling warning on social media, alleging that the mysterious substance was being used to target women through their mobile devices. He cautioned members of the public to be wary of strangers requesting assistance with phones.

"Dem have a thing put on it weh make the woman dem knock out and carry dem weh go rape dem. We nuh know a wah dem have or weh dem get it," he said.

While the story may sound far-fetched, public health expert and academic researcher Dr Paul Andrew Bourne says it is not outside the realm of possibility.

"You need to understand fully well that this is possible and concerning. Look at your skin, there are hairs inside your skin. If you are walking or jogging, your pores are open. So if anything gets on your skin when your pores are open, it can seep through," he explained.

Bourne, known for his expertise in quantitative research and public health, noted that while he has never personally encountered a case in which someone was paralysed by touching a phone, he is aware of similar reports from the United States.

"I think it happened to about two or three persons in the States. They were touched and didn't know where they were after. They found themselves somewhere else hours later. But you're talking about three cases out of 300 million people," he said.

"Now that it's being mentioned in Jamaica, I need to go and begin to examine it," he added.

In 2020, this newspaper reported on a case in Lucea, Hanover, where an educator became disoriented after being slapped on the shoulder by a man who claimed he was killing a mosquito. The incident raised suspicions that she may have been exposed to a chemical substance.

At the time, then Superintendent Sharon Beeput, head of the Hanover Police Division, said the woman might have been a victim of Devil's Breath or a similar drug.

"Within seconds, she was all but incapacitated, so whatever it was, we just want the public to be aware of this and ask them to safeguard against strangers coming up to them and trying to make physical contact," she said.

On Sunday, Bourne warned that the existence of such a substance, especially in the hands of criminals, could pose a serious threat to public safety.

"If it is just a simple touch and it happens in a few seconds, then this would be a dangerous chemical or substance. And therefore, this should be examined. We're talking about a public health matter now," he stated.

Bourne said he intends to research the claims further and warned that if confirmed, the phenomenon could represent a dangerous new tactic for criminals.

"If this is something that people rely on for crime, then Jamaica will have a real problem on its hands," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police Richard Stewart, who oversees the Crime and Security portfolio, told THE STAR that he is unaware of any such drug.

"I am hearing about this for the very first time in my life," Stewart said, adding that he would need to be "educated on the matter" before providing any further comment.