The fear of a cheap and highly addictive drug named ‘Flakka’ has reared its ugly head in South Africa with Wedge Garden Treatment Centre social worker Karen Griessel describing it as something out of a horror movie.
The drug is a chemical compound originally synthesised in the 60s. Resembling aquarium gravel and coming in the form of a white or pink crystal, it has become known as next generation ‘bath salts’, a group of related synthetic drugs which has been banned since 2012.
Griessel said the drug can be eaten, snorted, injected or even placed into a vape form.
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She added, “Just like ‘bath salts’, the substance is packaged inconspicuously in plastic bags or vials which are labelled ‘not for human consumption’. You can buy it online or off the street.”
She said the reason behind it’s popularity is that it simulates the effects of cocaine and methamphetamines without the high financial cost and it has been reported to be 10 times more powerful than cocaine.
“Initially, it gives the user a euphoric high but continued use leads to delirium. Hallucinations, paranoia and even increased strength are experienced. Panic attacks, depression, violence, psychosis, suicide and death are associated with overdose.”
It increases body temperature and blood pressure which medically can cause kidney damage, a heart attack, a stroke, aneurysm and even heart failure.
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“The drug appears to have alarming side effects and often police and paramedics are needed to subdue or treat users. There have been bizarre incidents in America and other countries, including reports of a naked man savagely biting another man’s face, a woman running down the street naked screaming obscenities about God and others convinced they were being chased by packs of animals.”
She said there might be a possibility of widespread usage in South Africa and it is extremely important to watch out for these symptoms.
The below video shows a young girl high on the drug: (video is not from South Africa.)
https://www.facebook.com/2025072984445902/videos/2051924108427456/
I just noticed something World War Z was released 2013 then this #flakkadrug has been around since 2014, coincidence? pic.twitter.com/Zsr65mAAn6
— Mods Improptu Imperfections 🇺🇸 (@Modsimp) November 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/Smano5/status/928818337336963072
https://twitter.com/BonganiM__/status/928605761332305921
#FlakkaDrug has hit the shores of S.A 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/akQ6vtESGK
— Leblomo 🌼 (@neo_motso) November 8, 2017
This shit must not make it to the streets,#FlakkaDrug https://t.co/JjtouTiuws
— Big Fish (@PhomoloMaruping) November 10, 2017
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