Berlin: Don't forget to scrutinize your party medication before you go out
Tragic Losses Highlight the Need for Drug Safety Measures
Two prominent figures in the music and nightlife scene of Berlin, John Juan Mendez (Silent Servant) and Jose Luis Vasquez (The Soft Moon), tragically passed away on January 18 due to suspected fentanyl overdoses. Mendez, a Californian producer, and Vasquez, a cult figure in Berlin's post-punk, dark wave music, left an indelible mark on the city's electronic music scene.
Mendez's work, either as part of the band Sandwell District or through his own productions, permeated the records of almost every techno artist in Berlin over the past 15 years. Vasquez, on the other hand, became a staple in Berlin's music scene with his energetic and emotional music that drew influences from Suicide and Depeche Mode.
Their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with recreational drug use. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, has been found in recreational drugs used by partygoers in Berlin. This underscores the importance of using proper facilities or testing gear to ensure safety when taking recreational drugs.
Organisations such as drugchecking.berlin and safer-nightlife.berlin provide valuable information for ensuring a safer nightlife experience. Drugchecking.berlin runs free testing from their labs in Neukölln and Kreuzberg, and their website is kept up to date with news about impurities recently found in recreational drugs. Visiting these sites can help prevent tragic losses like that of Mendez and Vasquez.
It's also crucial to do research before buying testing kits online, as some are rated less reliable than others. Only by having an honest conversation about recreational drug usage will we all be able to find some solace and move forward.
The search results do not provide specific information about the persons who founded the two Berlin drug testing centers or the history behind them. However, the tragic loss of Mendez and Vasquez, along with many others, can serve as a reminder of the importance of drug safety measures.
Let us remember their contributions to the music and nightlife scene of Berlin, and strive to create a safer environment for everyone.
