I Investigated the City of Real Life Zombies...

Summary

The video script explores Kensington, Philadelphia, a neighborhood ravaged by the drug 'Train a', a deadly mix of horse tranquilizer and Fentanyl. The narrator, with local contact Recon Bowl, investigates the area's drug epidemic, witnessing firsthand the discarded needles, rampant homelessness, and violence. They meet residents like Hot Shot Shakur, who describes the impact of the pandemic on the neighborhood, and business owners like Levi, who shares the daily dangers of operating in the area. The script also touches on the rise of 24/7 gambling shops and the struggle for survival among addicts. It ends with a glimmer of hope, featuring a volunteer group providing support and resources to those in need.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Kensington in Philadelphia is depicted as the epicenter of America's drug crisis, with a dangerous mix of substances turning people into 'zombies'.
• 🔍 The documentary-style exploration is conducted with a local contact named Recon Bowl, aiming to understand the situation and potential solutions.
• 📍 The area has seen a significant increase in drug use and crime, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 🏚️ Many businesses were destroyed or burnt down during the initial pandemic lockdowns, leading to further decline in the area.
• 💉 The script mentions an overwhelming presence of used needles, posing a serious health risk to residents and visitors.
• 👮‍♂️ Police presence is noted, but the community feels overwhelmed by the scale of the drug problem, with homicides being a more pressing concern.
• 🏙️ The contrast between clean areas and those riddled with drug use and crime is stark, with some blocks being particularly dangerous.
• 🎰 The rise of 24/7 gambling in local stores is highlighted as a new problem, adding to the list of addictions plaguing the community.
• 🏠 Homelessness is rampant, with people coming from all over America to Kensington for drugs, contributing to the area's issues.
• 🔥 Fires on the sidewalk for warmth are a common sight, indicating the harsh living conditions for those on the streets.
• 🆘 Business owners are taking extreme measures for protection, such as owning firearms, due to the dangerous environment.

Q & A

What is the drug epidemic in Kensington, Philadelphia, known for?

The drug epidemic in Kensington, Philadelphia, is known for the drug called 'Tina', which is a mixture of horse tranquilizer and Fentanyl, turning users into what are described as 'real-life zombies'.

What is the likelihood of getting shot in Kensington according to the local contact?

The local contact, Recon Bowl, suggests that the likelihood of getting shot is high, as people can't walk from one street to another without the risk of being murdered.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Kensington?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many stores in Kensington were destroyed or burnt down, and the neighborhood saw an increase in crime and drug use.

What is the significance of 'Needle Park' in Kensington?

Needle Park is a park notorious for the sheer quantity of needles found there, where many homeless people and drug users congregate.

What is the situation with homelessness in Kensington?

Kensington has a significant homeless population, with people coming from all over America to the area, often to seek drugs and then never leaving.

How are the police handling the drug and crime situation in Kensington?

The police are primarily focused on fighting homicides, considering the minor problem to be people getting high, with overdoses being the main concern.

What is the impact of 24/7 gambling shops on the community?

The 24/7 gambling shops have replaced convenience stores, providing an additional vice for the community and potentially exacerbating the addiction and crime issues.

What challenges do business owners face in Kensington?

Business owners in Kensington face challenges such as rampant crime, the need for heavy security, and the constant presence of drug use and violence around their establishments.

What are the living conditions like for drug addicts in Kensington?

Drug addicts in Kensington face harsh living conditions, including the risk of violence, lack of safe housing, and the constant struggle with addiction.

What solutions do the locals suggest for the problems in Kensington?

Locals suggest solutions such as bringing in the military to clean up the area, building more treatment centers, and providing more resources for safe housing and recovery.

How can people get help in Kensington?

People in Kensington can get help through organizations like the 'Everywhere Project', which provides food, clothes, and safer injection supplies, and also accepts donations and volunteers.