K2, a chemical spray manufactured in China, is being purchased and shipped straight to Alabama for drug users, Escambia County drug investigators say. They are warning that those using these dangerous chemicals could face severe charges on top of serious health issues.
Escambia County Sheriff Lt. Dereck Lowry, with the department’s Drug Task Force, told 1819 News that while K2 is not a new drug, it has become easier to get.
He said coming into contact with someone high on the mixture of dangerous chemicals can be alarming.
“It’s pretty extreme when you meet somebody that’s been smoking that,” said Lowry.
The synthetic cannabinoid can have long-term effects on the physical and mental health of users. The drugs come in different forms and packaging but are often made with numerous unknown chemicals.
In addition to overdose, side effects can include psychosis, hallucinations, extreme anxiety, violent behavior, uncontrolled vomiting and more.
“It’s extremely dangerous because they don’t know what they’re taking,” Lowry explained.
After confiscating the liquid, law enforcement can lab-test it to determine its chemical makeup. Lowry said charges related to the drug are typical for any controlled substance, but it could also be considered a synthetic or analog substance.
Lowry said the chemicals are sprayed on anything that can be smoked, including leaves and paper.
Another alternative to street drugs being used is roach spray. The chemicals in bug spray can cause zombie-like effects and often lead to overdoses, Lowry said.
“There’s always new stuff that’s coming out,” Lowry added. “The roach spray is a cheaper alternative for people who can’t get the actual substance. They are just trying to find a way to get high, but this is extremely dangerous.”
The street name for roach spray is “bathtub meth.”
The Alabama Department of Mental Health offers substance abuse assistance online or by calling 844-307-1760.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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