Dangerous drug made to look like candy
By: Melissa Randall
@MRandallABC6
A dangerous new synthetic drug is now being disguised as sugary treats. The disturbing and deadly trend is popular in Florida, but is also being reported in other parts of the country. Addiction recovery experts in Rhode Island warn that it’s only a matter of time before the drug ends up on local streets.
That the street drug alpha-PVP, popularly known as Flakka, is being made to look remarkably like Sour Patch Kids. Last month police in Florida confiscated dozens of the drug laced candies which were individually wrapped.
“It basically just shows you the intention— that they are trying to market this towards a younger crowd,” said Christopher Cotham, a certified peer-to-peer councilor with the Anchor Recovery Community Center.
Flakka is similar to other synthetic drugs like bath salts which are illegal in Rhode Island. The white or pink crystal can be snorted, injected, vaporized or eaten. It is extremely addictive.
“People are in over their heads before they even know it,” said Cotham.
Cotham is worried about the deadly street drug. He says it’s only a matter of time before the drug laced candies are being found in the Ocean State.
“A lot of the stuff hits with the music scene as the festivals come around—as the party scene comes around—it cycles through,” he explained.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse Flakka can cause paranoia that can lead to violent aggression and self injury. It has been linked to several deaths. Cotham says it’s important for parents to be aware of emerging drug trends and talk to their children.
“The longer the parents keep their heads kind of buried in the sand… the more kids that are getting hurt,” he said.
State Police tell ABC6 News that while Flakka has not turned up in Rhode Island yet, it is on their radar.
Information provided by WPLG-TV Miami, FL
© WLNE-TV 2015
