QUINCY, FL (WTXL) -- The Gadsden County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about the dangers of "Flakka," a drug that's been linked to deaths and violence in the county.
One man has been arrested, and another is wanted in connection with an incident Friday, where officials found the drug, along with marijuana and cocaine.
The Sheriff's Office says the drug costs about five dollars, and with a drug that cheap and dangerous, officials are calling on the community to report anyone who may be using it.
"This drug is killing people," said Major Shawn Wood.
During Friday's drug bust, more than a pound of Flakka was found. Officials say the batch was advertised as the more expensive drug "Molly."
"We have people that are cutting this drug up and putting other things in it like rat poison and Drano," Wood said. "Different-type things that dilute this thing to make more money."
Deputies say it's an affordable high for teens.
"Hannah Montana sings about it," Wood said. "It's popular, so that's why you're seeing so many young people attracted to this drug."
The Sheriff's Office has teamed up with other local agencies to develop a narcotics task force, but despite pulling in more resources, getting rid of Flakka is still a challenge.
"This is not a drug you can arrest your way out of," said Investigator Brian Alexander. "It's just not."
Officials have reached out to pastors, neighborhood leaders and apartment managers, asking for their help in reporting drug activity.
"If you're going to beat this thing, your church groups, civic groups getting out in their own communities and talking to people and getting them off this drug -- giving them another way," Wood said.
"If you can educate the community, the community itself will force the drug out," Alexander said.
The Sheriff's Office says residents have made several calls to report drug use in the area, and as a result, officials were able to make a number of arrests. They say they hope Flakka is one of those drugs that just comes and goes out of the county.
Deputies are looking for a man that fled the car involved in Friday's drug bust. They have not yet released his name or image. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 850-627-9233.
