CONCERNS have risen following allegations that the new highly addictive “Zombie” drug also known as Flakka or Gravel had surfaced in Pinetown.
However, KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbhele, said: “As KZN police, we are not aware of that drug and we have not received any complaints or reports about it.”
The drug has caused panic throughout the United States and Australia, as people who have ingested the drug have reportedly suffered zombie-like symptoms.
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Reports also allege that the narcotic causes hallucinations and affects the individual’s central nervous system.
The video has gone viral in KwaZulu-Natal, since allegations surfaced that the drug had hit Durban shores.
In contradiction to the KZN SAPS’s comment, Sam Pillay of the Anti Drug Forum (ADF) said a joint operation by Metro Police’s specialised unit (SPU), Metro K9, Metro MORT, and SAPS NIU lead to the arrest of 32-year-old Nigerian, Chikudipidia Steven Nwose, recently.
Nwose was found in possession of 10 bags of Flakka and other drugs at a pub in Pinetown. He appeared in court and was remanded pending his next appearance.
His arrest comes after three men from Chatsworth claimed they were given the drugs while at a party, and then began hallucinating. One of the men attacked a woman and bit off a chuck of her arm. All three men had to be restrained and then taken to hospital.
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Pillay said there are always new drugs on the market, but this particular one is really dangerous and referred to it as “the gateway to hell”.
“The users display almost demonic-like behaviour. It takes about six people to restrain one person – it is like they have superhuman strength. It poses a great danger to not only the user but the family and friends around them too,” said Pillay.
He said some of the symptoms include heart palpitations, hallucinations, high blood pressure, nerve issues, severe agitation, paranoia and more.
“The drug resembles crystals slightly bigger than rough salt and can cause paranoia that can lead to violent aggression. The lethal mixture of chemical substances include cocaine, crystal meth, bath salts and other synthetic drugs, although there isn’t a set composition and drug dealers often use whatever is available,” said Pillay.
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Pillay added that drinks are often spiked with the drugs or users follow drug dealers’ advice on how to consume it. He said drug dealers often sell it as rock cocaine but don’t tell people what it really is. The drugs can be spiked into a drink, swallowed, smoked and or mainlined.
“The Anti Drug Forum is worried that this drug is sweeping local communities at this time of the year, when school goers are almost at the end of the exams and just before the party season begins. People especially parents need to be extra careful. Keep a close eye on your children’s behavior and report any suspicious behaviour to the police or nearest anti-drug unit,” added Pillay.
Brad Nathanson Investigations also posted a warning to parents on social media to keep an eye on their children.
“For over a year we have been fearing that this drug would reach South Africa. Now, it is here and in the Durban area expressly. Flakka may be consumed in tablet or powder form, and it may be disguised as “E” or cocaine. Please educate yourselves about this drug. It swept through the US leaving devastation in its wake. Don’t say NO to drugs, say NEVER to drugs.”
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