GADSDEN COUNTY, FL (WTXL) - More than 400 law enforcement officers, paramedics and other first responders from across Florida, gathered in Gadsden County Wednesday to discuss the dangerous drug known as "Flakka".
According to law enforcement, nearly 40 people have died in just the last year as a result of using the synthetic drug in Florida.
The drug looks like small white rocks, and is also sometimes referred to as "gravel" because of its appearance. They say when used, it often leads to delusions, hallucinations and an increase in body temperature, causing the user to act erratically.
Organizers of the event hope to teach others in law enforcement about how to deal with the drug and those who abuse it.
Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young was among the participants in the seminar. He says education and treatment of drug users are often just as important as putting them in jail: "When you are dealing with the addicts who are actually taking these drugs, they have a medical problem. So, instead of arresting these folks, we have to get them to a medical center."
One challenge for police is that the synthetic drug is so cheap, usually costing five dollars or less. Also, it is often sent directly through the mail from other countries, eliminating the need for a local drug dealer. Because of the low cost of Flakka, the main users tend to be high schoolers and young adults.
