Man sentenced to two years in prison for selling alpha drug in Valencia
A Valencia court has sentenced a 41-year-old man to prison for distributing alpha-PiHP, a high-risk synthetic substance. His arrest occurred when he was riding a motorbike whilst talking on his mobile phone.
Man sentenced to two years in prison for selling alpha drug in Valencia
A 41-year-old man has been sentenced by the Valencia Provincial Court to two years in prison and a fine of 350 euros for trafficking in alpha-PiHP, a synthetic stimulant substance known on the street as "flakka". The sentence, delivered orally, is final and not subject to appeal.
The case began in July when a unit of the National Police intercepted the man riding a motorbike whilst holding a telephone conversation. Officers ordered him to stop so they could identify him. During the stop, the suspect displayed nervous behaviour and attempted to hide a blue bag.
Upon searching the contents, officers discovered several packages containing 11.6 grammes of the drug and a precision electronic scale. The prosecutor initially sought four years in prison for offences against public health and an economic penalty of 900 euros.
During the hearing, the accused admitted the facts. Thanks to a plea agreement reached, the sentence was reduced by half. His lawyer requested suspension of the prison sentence, arguing that he had no criminal record. The prosecution accepted the request given that the sentence was two years or less and there was no previous criminal history. The convicted man must remain clear of any offences for the next three years to avoid serving the sentence in full.
Alpha-PiHP is a low-cost designer drug with highly destructive effects that has gained popularity in certain circles. Several deaths linked to its consumption have been recorded in the city of Valencia. One of the most well-known incidents took place in a residential complex in the Campanar district, where a 23-year-old man fell from the fourteenth floor of a residential tower whilst under the influence of the substance, according to Levante-EMV.
Source: Levante-EMV
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)