Umhlali SAPS on the lookout for new ‘flakka’ drug
The drug, made from cathinone, a substance found in bath salts, recently made its way to Durban with four confirmed reports in Wentworth, Pinetown, Chatsworth and Overport.
Umhlali SAPS are on high alert for the dangerous drug, flakka, that is fast spreading in Durban.
The drug, made from cathinone, a substance found in bath salts, recently made its way to Durban with four confirmed reports in Wentworth, Pinetown, Chatsworth and Overport.
“All stations, including Umhlali are on the lookout for dealers selling this drug.
“Drugs are a major concern in our area and once a new drug becomes available, it is difficult to control.
“It is believed that people buy flakka under the assumption that it is another drug like cocaine because it looks similar.”
SA Anti-Drug Forum spokesperson Sam Pillay said the latest incident in Overport showed dealers were adapting the drug in different forms and tricking people into buying it.
“Initially, we had three reports of the drug that was consumed in powder form.
“In the most recent case, we found out that it was consumed as a capsule at a club in Overport with the victim thinking it was another drug.
“Dealers are selling the drug basically as an experiment to see what happens when people take it. In most reports, people did not know they were taking flakka.”
Pillay said the drug caused “superhuman strength,” violent and animal-like behaviour as well as hallucinations.
“In the first three cases, one of the men bit off flesh from his wife’s arm.
“He was taken to the hospital where he, who was a fairly small built person, had to be restrained by five people. In the other two cases, the victims were both in a coma for 48 hours.
“It took five days for them to return to their normal state.”
People are urged to report any suspicions of flakka dealers to either the local police or the AntiDrug Forum at 031 404 6993.
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