"If You Pick Up Banknotes Dropped on the Floor, It Could Be Dangerous"... Terror Fears Spread Worldwide

The authorities in Tennessee, USA, recently announced that they found banknotes dropped on the floor containing drug substances.
/Photo by Perry County Police Department

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Recently, unexplained acts of terrorism have occurred repeatedly across Europe and the United States, causing fear among citizens.

On the 15th (local time), according to CBS and NBC News, authorities in Tennessee, USA, issued a warning about picking up dollar bills of unclear origin after reporting two separate incidents where synthetic opioid fentanyl was found on cash.

Earlier, police in Perry County, Tennessee, revealed that there were two incidents where white powder was found on bills dropped on the floor of a nearby gas station. At the time of discovery, the one-dollar bills were folded multiple times.

Tests showed that the white powder tested positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is a stimulant that strongly excites the central nervous system.

Fentanyl is known as the so-called "devil's drug," capable of killing a person with a small amount, with a lethal dose estimated at 2ml. It is known to be highly dangerous, as even a single dose can cause addiction.

When used by the general public, it alters the body's endorphin secretion, causing a strong euphoric sensation. However, once this feeling disappears, sensitivity to pain and stimuli increases, making it difficult to live without the drug.

The sheriff's office urged, "Please share this information with family and acquaintances," and warned to be cautious of bills frequently seen in places like workplaces and playgrounds. They added, "We plan to push for legislation to strengthen penalties if someone is caught using money as a pouch for drug transport."

Syringe. Not related to the article.
Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, it has been reported that so-called 'syringe terrorism,' where citizens are injected with needles, has recently occurred in various parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium.

On the 7th (local time), according to the American daily The Washington Post (WP), Eva Killing (19), who lives in Stanford, UK, was enjoying time at a pub with friends over the weekend when she was subjected to syringe terrorism by a stranger.

Killing did not realize she had been attacked at the time but felt something wrong with her body when she stepped outside for some fresh air. She was unable to walk or lift her head, could not speak, and eventually vomited on the spot.

Afterward, she noticed swelling in her arm and visited a hospital for examination. Doctors told her that a 'syringe needle' was the cause of her symptoms but could not determine a more detailed cause.

Cases of people unknowingly suffering from mysterious syringe terrorism and reporting harm are emerging across Europe.

In France, over 300 syringe-related complaints have been filed with the police nationwide since the end of March. However, because victims experienced amnesia or only confirmed symptoms later, French police have been unable to arrest perpetrators.

Nils Marzolf, who was pricked by a syringe at a subway station in Lyon, France, told WP that he noticed strangers rummaging through their pockets as they approached him.

He said, "Even though doctors saw the needle marks on my arm, they have not yet identified what drug was used. Now it is difficult for me to go out in public."

The French Ministry of the Interior issued a safety warning urging citizens to be cautious of 'syringe terrorism,' and some cities in the Netherlands are continuing efforts by establishing online reporting centers.

Meanwhile, similar incidents have been reported in Belgium at places where many people gather, such as clubs, football stadiums, and festivals. However, the identity of the substances contained in the syringes and the motives behind the crimes remain unknown.