Located in the Aburra Valley in the Colombian part of the Andes Mountains, Medellin is a vibrant city with a vibrant nightlife, rich culture, friendly people and a temperate climate.
The city attracts visitors from all over the world and has been a hotspot for Americans in recent years. Last year, 1.4 million visitors went to Medellin, 40% of whom were Americans.
Unfortunately, for all that makes Medellin so unique, there is a dark side, and many American men fall victim to what locals call Burundanga. In the last two months of 2023, eight US citizens died in the city of Medellín, in incidents involving drugging or suspected murder.
What is Burundanga?
Burundanga, also known as Devil’s Breath, is a drug medically known as scopolamine. Traditionally, scopolamine is used to treat nausea, but in large doses it can render a victim unconscious for 24 hours, block their memory and make them willing to give out private information such as banking and password information.
Scopolamine is difficult to detect due to its odorless, tasteless and odorless properties. It can be administered as a spray, liquid or powder, and most worrying of all is that in rare cases it can cause respiratory failure and death.
Security alert from the US Embassy
On January 10, 2024, the American Embassy Bogota took place issued a safety warning regarding eight suspicious deaths among US citizens in Medellin, recorded between November 1 and December 31, 2023. These incidents, characterized by involuntary overdoses or suspected murders, appear to be unrelated due to the different circumstances surrounding each case. Nevertheless, a pattern of drugging, robbery and overdoses has emerged, with several cases linked to the use of online dating applications.
The Tourism Observatory of the District Personnel of Medellin reported a significant increase in crimes against foreign visitors, with thefts increasing by 200 percent and violent deaths increasing by 29 percent in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. Notably, the majority of victims in these violent deaths were U.S. citizens. Criminals operate dating apps to target victims and organize gatherings in public places to attack and rob them. There have been numerous cases of American citizens in Colombia being drugged and robbed, and in some cases murdered, by individuals they met through these applications.
The embassy has observed an increase in the number of reports of such incidents over the past year, especially in major cities such as Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota. These crimes are often underreported due to victims’ shame and unwillingness to participate in the legal process.
Given this alarming trend, the U.S. Embassy advises citizens to exercise greater vigilance, increase their situational awareness, and take strict personal security measures during their stay in Colombia.
How to protect yourself
When you travel, there are always steps you need to take to protect yourself. For example, you should always tell someone that you trust your plans and whereabouts, but there are specific steps you can take to protect yourself from burundanga.
- Avoid going places alone or going out with a stranger.
- Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.
- Do not leave food and drinks unattended.
- Call “123” from any Colombian payphone if you are in immediate danger.
- If you meet someone from a dating site, send his or her photo and information to a friend so they can be found if your electronics are stolen.
Stay safe and have fun in Medellin
Colombia is a beautiful place to visit, and Medellin is one of its national treasures. Visitors have much to enjoy and discover in this South American city, but it is always important to stay alert and aware.
