Countering the influx of flakka and other fast-evolving synthetic drugs is the focus of House Bill 4, a measure that breezed through a House committee Wednesday.
Ask law enforcement in Lewis County what they think of flakka, also known as Alpha-PVP, and they don't mince words.
"In my 18 years, I think this is the worst drug I've ever seen," Sheriff Johnny Bivens says.
A highly-addictive cousin to bath salts, flakka produces a powerful high alongside a string of bizarre side effects ranging from extreme delirium to paranoia to what observers describe as "super human strength." Typically smoked or injected, the drug can fetch $200 to $400 per gram. And Jeremy Triplett, a drug chemistry supervisor with the Kentucky State Police Central Forensic Laboratory, admits tracking the spread of new synthetics is difficult.
"This is all brand new and the structures change so often that there's no real good test on the street," he says. "They're coming out with some, but the color tests that a lot of our officers use to tentatively identify drugs before they send them to us until recently they just didn't work."
House Bill 4 boosts penalties for first time trafficking in flakka or other synthetic substances from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Those brought up on possession charges could also face stiffer punishments, though the bill allows judges leeway to order offenders to treatment and rehabilitation programs.
According to Bivens' testimony, most of the flakka flooding his community flows out of China and users often acquire the substance online.
A separate bill addressing the problem is expected in the Senate. House Bill sponsor Rep. Rocky Adkins hopes to have his version on the House floor next week.
