Deadly drug takes new form

THE deadly street drug, whoonga, which hit the  South Coast a few years ago, has claimed countless lives. 

More commonly known as ‘straws’, whoonga is a mixture of antiretrovirals, heroin, rat poison and morphine. It used to be available in a powder form, which would generally be found in drinking straws which had been sectioned off in order to hold small quantities.

Now it has taken on a new form.

Drug manufacturers have become smart it seems and the deadly concoction is now available in a capsule form, with the first reported case of the new drug in May this year.

“The exact date when the whoonga capsules hit the market would be difficult to gauge but Scottburgh SAPS seized capsules in an arrest on May 2 this year,” said Scottburgh SAPS communications officer, Captain Vincent Pandarum.

What makes this find all the more frustrating is that users who are suspected of being in possession of the new drug could simply swallow the capsule to dispose of it.

In its previous form this would have been difficult. 

“It is known that the straws, made of plastic, can be concealed in the mouth or any other orifice of the body,” said Captain Pandarum.

Concerned parents are now wondering what they need to look out for.

According to the description sent to the Mail by the Scottburgh SAPS, the capsules currently on the market are dark red and white although, warns Capt Pandarum, capsule casings of any colour can be used.

Although symptoms differ from user to user, the most common signs are severe weight loss, loss of appetite, an inability to sleep and mood swings.

Other signs to look out for include increasing use of pain medication and muscle relaxants. This is to counteract the withdrawal symptoms of the drug.

The effects of the rat poison are subdued for a short while, aided by the morphine, but as soon as the drug starts to wear off, users are left facing excruciating pains and cramps.

Severe withdrawal will include shivers and cold sweats.