A devastated mother has issued a stark warning after her son tragically died from smoking a vape laced with the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl.
The heartbroken parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, described how her healthy young son collapsed suddenly after using what he believed was a standard e-cigarette.
The Deadly Mistake
"He thought it was just a normal vape," the mother explained through tears. "Within minutes of using it, he was unconscious. By the time paramedics arrived, it was too late."
Post-mortem tests revealed the device contained a lethal dose of fentanyl - a powerful painkiller 50 times stronger than heroin that's responsible for thousands of overdose deaths worldwide.
Rising Threat of Counterfeit Vapes
Health experts are increasingly concerned about dangerous substances being found in black market vaping products. While legitimate e-cigarettes contain regulated ingredients, counterfeit versions may be cut with anything from heavy metals to deadly drugs.
"These illicit products are Russian roulette," warned Dr. Sarah Wilkinson, a toxicology specialist at St Thomas' Hospital. "Users have no way of knowing what they're actually inhaling."
Warning Signs of Contaminated Vapes
- Unusually strong or chemical-like taste
- Excessive drowsiness after use
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme dizziness or confusion
- Packaging with spelling mistakes or missing safety information
A Mother's Plea
The grieving mother is now campaigning for tougher action against illegal vape sales, particularly targeting online marketplaces where dangerous products can be easily purchased.
"I don't want any other family to go through this nightmare," she said. "If my story stops just one person from buying these deadly devices, then maybe my son's death won't have been completely in vain."
Police have launched an investigation into the supply chain that provided the fatal vape, but admit tracking down underground manufacturers is extremely challenging.
