Zombie drug alpha-PVP spreading in Uppsala – "Stay away from it, it's life-threatening"
The dangerous drug alpha-PVP, also known as the zombie drug or flakka, is increasing sharply in Uppsala and Norrköping. A local user warns: "It is life-threatening."
Zombie drug alpha-PVP taking hold in Uppsala
SVT News reports that the drug alpha-PVP – known on the street as "flakka" or the zombie drug – is spreading in Uppsala and Norrköping and the surrounding area. During the summer, a new batch arrived in Uppsala, and local users confirm that the substance is circulating among the city's drug users.
Peter Johansson, who has used amphetamine for nearly 40 years and lived a life moving between temporary addresses, the streets and prison for amongst other things theft offences, is one of those who tried the drug.
– A friend smashed up a restaurant toilet, he recounts what he witnessed whilst under the influence.
He is nevertheless clear with his warning: – Stay away from it, it's life-threatening.
Johansson believes the increased popularity is partly due to lower quality amphetamine.
– The amphetamine today is not as pure as it used to be, so maybe people choose alpha-PVP to get the same effect as before, he says.
Aggression and psychosis among the risks
Someone who takes alpha-PVP risks becoming aggressive, irrational and psychotic. Tobias Eriksson, chief medical officer for addiction medicine, has previously described the consequences to SVT:
– It is a real shit drug. You can get it into your head that your mate is going to murder you and try to get there first, or that you flee in panic through a window and it ends in a tragedy.
The drug increased dramatically in Finland over recent years before it has now made its return to Sweden. The National Forensic Centre, NFC, confirms the presence of the substance.
Source: SVT Nyheter