Alpha-PVP use multiplied 12-fold in Seinäjoki – police increase surveillance
Alpha-PVP use has exploded in Seinäjoki: THL wastewater research shows a 12-fold increase over two years. Police have seized approximately 100 grammes of the substance from the area.
Seinäjoki emerges as centre of alpha-PVP use in Ostrobothnia
Google News FI — Crime (fi) reported that the Ostrobothnia police department has already focused increased surveillance on Seinäjoki due to the sharp growth in use of alpha-PVP, also known as "flakka".
According to THL's wastewater research, alpha-PVP was detected in Seinäjoki this spring at 12 times the amount compared to two years ago. Ostrobothnia police commissioner Matti Tiainen confirms that the change is clear.
"Alpha-PVP is encountered more frequently in police work in Seinäjoki than previously, and we have also observed larger quantities than before," Tiainen summarises.
The substance has been seized, among other things, in connection with disorderly conduct incidents. According to Tiainen, observations are often linked to other crimes, such as robberies and property crimes.
During the current year, police in South Ostrobothnia have had approximately twenty criminal cases under investigation that are linked to alpha-PVP in one way or another. In the province, approximately 100 grammes of the substance has been seized in total, which corresponds to around 4,000 doses.
"In the case of alpha-PVP, gramme amounts may appear small, but this is a potent substance, where even a small amount is sufficient for multiple doses," Tiainen points out.
In Vaasa, the amounts seized have been small this year; in Kokkola and Pietarsaari there have been none at all. Tiainen estimates that Seinäjoki's transport connections explain the city's prominent position.
"From here you can reach the capital region relatively quickly and return. Drug users' connections to southern Finland are thus slightly more direct than, for example, from Vaasa or Kokkola," Tiainen estimates.
Mari Katajamäki, a detective youth worker at Seinäjoki city, also sees location as one explaining factor. She also highlights the large number of students and the fact that drug availability has generally improved.
"In general, obtaining drugs nowadays is much easier compared to previously," Katajamäki describes.
According to Katajamäki, alpha-PVP use affects young people in Seinäjoki as do other intoxicants, but use has so far been mostly isolated cases. She emphasises that substance users often have various challenges in their background, and alpha-PVP is no exception in that regard.
"The services are not currently functioning quite as they should. People then seek help in this way as well," Katajamäki states.
Police have focused their surveillance both on the streets and online, with the aim of particularly tackling the distribution of the substance.
"The earlier we are able to influence availability and distribution, the better chances we have to prevent the problem from growing," Tiainen says.
Source: Google News FI — Crime (fi)