Reports say that a designer drug that exhibits qualities and effects similar to that of bath salts has been detected in Australia, specifically in NSW.
The synthetic drug known as flakka has been linked to deaths across the US, and authorities say Australia is now in danger of developing a new drug problem affecting its youth.
The drug is an NPS (New Psychoactive Substance) and contains the synthetic chemical cathinone, a stimulant that can cause increased euphoria, self-awareness, and can lead to a state of excited delirium whereby the user experiences paranoia.
NSW Police Drug Squad Commander and Detective Superintendent Tony Cooke, has said that people taking these types of drugs need to understand the dangers associated with synthetic hallucinogens.
“These things can cause death and we need people to understand that and make some decisions for themselves not to take them,” he said.
Police are still monitoring the substance and have only detected small amounts in many cases.
Dr Lillian Soliman, a Western Sydney GP, told The Newsroom that deaths due to synthetic drug use are rising because many people continue to ignore warnings on products, which state they are “not for human consumption”.
“Of course it is dangerous,” she said.
“If you take products on un-prescribed drugs, you will get ill and possibly end up dead. Random drugs off the street are more likely to contain unknown chemicals.
“These sort of drugs usually end up in the hands of people who have no idea about the side effects and result in people consuming chemical bath salts.” – Story and photo by Soheir Adas
About the author
