Disturbing Video Highlights Zombie-Like Drug Crisis in San Francisco [WATCH]

A video circulating online has drawn attention to conditions in a section of downtown San Francisco, showing individuals appearing to be under the influence of drugs in the Tenderloin neighborhood, as reported by The New York Post.

The footage, shared on X by local resident JJ Smith, shows a stretch near 7th and Market Street where multiple individuals are seen standing or sitting in place, some appearing unsteady. The video was posted on Thursday, though its exact recording date has not been confirmed.

Smith, who has documented street activity in the area, filmed the scene in what is widely known as one of the city’s most heavily impacted neighborhoods for drug use and homelessness. In the clip, several individuals appear stationary or slow-moving, while others are seen holding drug paraphernalia.

SAN FRANCISCO 7th & Market st pic.twitter.com/d7fP7aCzqL

— jj smith (@war24182236) April 30, 2026

During the recording, Smith is heard interacting with people in the area.

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At one point, he tells an individual to pull their pants up. In another moment, a person holding a glass pipe states they were using fentanyl and crystal. Smith also spoke with an individual who said they traveled from Sacramento, explaining they came to San Francisco because “the dope is cheaper” and better there.

The San Francisco Police Department responded to questions about the video, stating it is believed to be several years old. Officials pointed to changes made in recent years, including increased enforcement efforts targeting drug-related activity.

“For context, since we increased our drug enforcement efforts in June 2023, SFPD has made over 14,392 arrests, and we’ve seized over 1,259 lbs. of narcotics,” said Evan Sernoffsky, Director of Strategic Communications. “The city looks vastly different than when this video was taken.”

Our @SFPD drug enforcement efforts in June 2023, made over 14,392 arrests and we’ve seized over 1,259 lbs. of narcotics. City looks vastly different than when this video was taken. This pic taken 4/30/26 pic.twitter.com/jiJaeDMbvk

— Officer Rueca (@OfficerRueca) May 1, 2026

The footage prompted reactions online, with users describing the scene and questioning conditions in the city. Some posts criticized ongoing challenges tied to drug use and homelessness, while others called for policy changes.

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Public data reflects the broader scope of the issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Francisco remains among the highest-ranking cities in the country for overdose rates per capita, trailing only Baltimore.

At the same time, federal figures indicate that overall overdose deaths in the city have declined, with fatalities in 2025 reaching their lowest level in five years.

Local officials have acknowledged ongoing challenges. Matt Dorsey, who represents the downtown area, said the city continues to face pressure compared to other regions.

“What we are seeing right now is other counties are improving faster than San Francisco is,” Dorsey said in an interview with ABC7. “What I’m hoping is that we have to do everything we can to turn off the magnet and stop being a destination city for drug-related lawlessness.”

Smith, who has previously posted footage highlighting conditions in the city, continues to document daily activity in areas like the Tenderloin. The neighborhood has long been a focal point for discussions about public safety, drug enforcement, and homelessness in San Francisco.

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