Content creators blasted for profiting off of Philadelphia’s ‘tranq tourism’

Social media creators are under fire for taking advantage of a derelict Philadelphia community and filming its residents while they are high for content.

“Tranq tourism” is the title given to such content that documents the transient population’s consumption of the powerful sedative “tranq” in Kensington.

WHITE HOUSE PROMOTES ‘IMPACTFUL’ BIDENOMICS IN END-OF-YEAR MEMO

Creators for YouTube and TikTok enter the area and film individuals lying on the ground or zoom in to see the effects of the drug, which include flesh-eating wounds.

“Tranq” is usually cooked down into a powder form, which is then mixed with illicit substances, and officials warn that it can be found across the cocaine trade or be laced with fentanyl.

Its gruesome effects have given it the name “zombie drug,” and there have been reports of users requiring amputations due to the disfiguring nature of the substance.

The social media videos describe the people on camera as “zombies,” “junkies,” or even “fiends,” according to a report.

In multiple clips posted to social media platforms, the content creators speak directly to these individuals.

Opponents of “tranq tourism” suggest that doing so is playing on their vulnerabilities.

“These videos don’t pull at the heartstrings; they make these people look like animals in a zoo instead of individuals that need help,” Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, a clinical psychologist, said. “It’s become very exploitative here; people from all over Europe and the U.S. are coming into the area and putting their phones or cameras in people’s faces. It’s detrimental because it isn’t helping.”

“It’s continuing to dehumanize. These people are not in the right frame of mind to consent or participate in a social media clip.”

As a drug, “tranq” is considered inexpensive, as a kilogram of powder can be purchased online from China for roughly $6, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency.

At least 150 channels now exist covering the epidemic in Kensington, according to Sarah Laurel, founder of Savage Sisters, a nonprofit group dedicated to helping those battling substance abuse.

Many of these channels do not blur the faces of the “#Kenzingtonzombies,” and videos published on social media have received millions of views.

In one video published by “Addiction After Dark,” which received over 1.5 million views, a woman is seen rocking back and forth while high on the drug.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“I’m sorry, please give me a moment,” she says before asking to be shown some respect.

“She is NOT crazy, she has a disease,” the video caption read. “Addiction is a disease that requires treatment. Spread awareness, stay informed.”