World's Scariest Drug (Documentary Exclusive)

Summary

In this gripping documentary, Ryan Duffy ventures into Bogota, Colombia, to investigate the notorious drug 'burundanga,' derived from scopolamine, which strips individuals of their free will while maintaining consciousness. From chilling stories of victims robbed and manipulated under its influence to its historical misuse in interrogations and executions, the script exposes the dark side of this plant, native to the Andean region. Duffy's journey takes him from botanical gardens to the toxicology department, uncovering the harrowing reality of a drug that's both beautiful and deadly.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Burundanga, derived from the borrachero tree, is considered a highly dangerous drug, similar to but much stronger than the drug roofie.
• 🧠 It eliminates free will while keeping the victim conscious and articulate, making them susceptible to suggestions from others.
• 🗣️ The drug has been associated with numerous horror stories, including waking up in bizarre and dangerous situations with no memory of how they got there.
• 🇨🇴 Colombia has a troubled history with the longest-running guerrilla war in Latin America and is known for its high rates of kidnapping and narco-trafficking.
• 🌳 The borrachero tree, from which scopolamine is derived, is native to the Northern Andean region, including Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
• 👥 The fear of falling asleep under the borrachero tree is a common concern among Colombians, indicating the widespread awareness of the drug's dangers.
• 💐 Despite its notorious reputation, the borrachero tree is described as beautiful and fragrant, with its flowers and seeds being the source of scopolamine.
• 🔬 Dr. Miriam Gutierrez, a toxicology expert, is consulted to understand the effects of scopolamine on the human body and its historical uses.
• 🕊️ Historically, scopolamine has been used by indigenous people for various purposes, including the coercion of people to commit suicide or be buried alive.
• 👮‍♂️ The Bogota City Police Department is involved in efforts to understand and combat the use of burundanga, particularly in relation to criminal activities.
• 🚫 The script emphasizes the need for caution and awareness around burundanga, highlighting its potential for misuse and the serious consequences it can have on individuals.

Q & A

What is the main subject of the video script?

The main subject of the video script is the dangerous drug burundanga, which is derived from scopolamine and is considered one of the most dangerous drugs in the world due to its ability to eliminate free will while keeping the victim conscious and articulate.

What effects does burundanga have on its victims?

Burundanga causes victims to lose their free will and control over their actions while remaining awake and articulate, making them susceptible to suggestions, such as going to an ATM or a hotel room.

What is the significance of the borrachero tree in the context of the script?

The borrachero tree, also known as the 'drunken binge tree,' is indigenous to the Northern Andean region and is the source of scopolamine, which is used to make the dangerous drug burundanga.

What are some of the historical uses of scopolamine mentioned in the script?

In the script, scopolamine is mentioned to have been used by indigenous people for burying alive the wives and mistresses of deceased chieftains by suggesting they walk into a grave, and later by Josef Mengele for interrogations and by the CIA as a truth serum during the Cold War.

How is Colombia described in relation to the drug burundanga?

Colombia is described as a country with a long history of conflict and violence, where burundanga is used by the criminal element for nefarious purposes, and where the fear of falling asleep under the borrachero tree is greater than other dangers like homicide and kidnapping.

What is the role of Dr. Miriam Gutierez in the script?

Dr. Miriam Gutierez is an expert on scopolamine who heads the toxicology department at the National University of Colombia. She is consulted in the script to provide insights into the effects of the drug on its victims.

What is the significance of the story about the man who woke up in an empty apartment?

The story illustrates the power of burundanga to make victims act against their own interests under the influence of suggestions, in this case, moving all his belongings out of his apartment under the control of others.

What is the connection between burundanga and the city of Bogota?

Bogota is the capital city of Colombia where the video script takes place, and it is where the team is investigating the effects and prevalence of burundanga, including meeting with experts and visiting the botanical gardens.

What is the purpose of the visit to the Botanical Gardens in Bogota?

The purpose of the visit is to identify the borrachero tree and understand the parts of the plant that are used to make burundanga, such as the flowers, roots, and seeds.

What is the final reaction of Ryan Duffy to the burundanga drug after hearing various stories?

Ryan Duffy's final reaction is one of fear and disinterest. Initially interested, after hearing the stories and seeing the drug, he expresses a strong desire to be done with it and to dispose of it safely.