Street drug 'Flakka' making itself known in Bay area

There is a dangerous new street drug sweeping across Florida with the potential to kill. 

It’s commonly known as Flakka and its typical component, alpha-PVP, was banned both federally and in the state of Florida last year.  Still, members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s narcotics team said the drug has made its way to the Bay area.

Lt. Dan Zsido gave Bay News 9 a first look at 12 kilos of Flakka, seized from a dealer who allegedly purchased it from a company in China.

“It’s a crystalized,” Zsido said. “It looks like rock salt.” 

Zsido said the department first caught wind of the synthetic drug last year, as it began trending in the southern part of the state.  He describes it as similar to bath salts, but more potent.

“People see an increase in anxiety, agitation, paranoia, psychosis,” Zsido said.  “And the outcome could be death.”

Bill Pellan, Director of Investigations with the District 6 Medical Examiner Office, said there have been four deaths in St. Petersburg this year that turned up a presence of alpha-PVP.  Pellan said alpha-PVP was a direct cause of death in three of those cases.

Bay News 9 contacted Sheriff’s offices in Citrus, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Polk and Hillsborough counties. Spokespersons for each said investigators haven’t encountered Flakka in any cases so far.  However, experts said Flakka is only detected if it’s specifically tested for.

“There’s no reason to put any of this in your body,” said Lt. Zsido.  “They’re playing Russian roulette with their health and their lives.”