Flakka Leaves Death, Destruction and Jail Time in its Wake

Alpha-PVP, also known as flakka or gravel, has been compared to synthetic bath salts for its mixture of chemicals that provides an amphetamine-like effect. Its dangerous side effects have been known to cause paranoia, hallucinations and bizarre, psychotic-like behavior as well as numerous health issues that could make even small amounts of the drug lethal. Loose regulation of the drug makes it easy to obtain.

Since 2012, the number of Drug Enforcement Administration cases linked to flakka has been steadily rising. In 2015, New York City reported 150 hospital admissions per week related to usage of this drug.

‘Zombie’ Drug Man Made and Unregulated

Flakka is called the “zombie” drug because of the bizarre and delusional behavior that causes people to act in a psychotic and aggressive manner. These behaviors often lead to clashes with the police, injury or death.

Victims often remove their clothes while under the influence of flakka due to a spike in body temperature caused by the drug- sometimes as high as 105 degrees. This can have a long-lasting effect on the kidneys.

Flakka hangs around in the brain for longer than cocaine. Although the high lasts one to several hours, the neurological side effects can be permanent. The chemicals in flakka attach themselves to the neurons that regulate dopamine and serotonin, which control mood. It’s hard to control the exact dose, and there is a small difference between getting high and overdosing.

This man-made substance comes mostly from China and India and is often sold online for less than $5 a dose. It can be smoked, snorted, vaped or injected. Because it can be ingested in many formats and is comprised of a chemical compound mixture that constantly changes, it’s easy to evade law enforcement.

Although some states have outlawed flakka, others are waiting for the DEA to deal with this substance. Flakka currently falls under the DEA’s label of a synthetic cathinone, also known as “bath salts.” However, manufacturers tweak the chemical compound and sell it with a disclaimer that the product is “not for human consumption” to skirt the DEA’s ban. The agency has tried to re-classify it and move it to a Schedule 1 classification, which is reserved for drugs likely to be abused and that has no acceptable medical use.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

You might need to know the long-term impacts of a 3rd degree DWI if you have been arrested or charged with driving while impaired (DWI) in Minneapolis, MN. A 3rd-degree DWI conviction can affect you personally, professionally, socially, and financially. A DWI conviction carries consequences, such as paying huge fines, loss of income, paying higher insurance premiums, strained relationships, and reputation damage. Your driver’s and professional license may be suspended or revoked after you are charged or convicted of a DWI. You may also face a civil lawsuit, which costs you money in the form of financial compensation to the accident victim.
One of the questions that people facing sex crime charges in Minnesota ask is: Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted? You will most likely be required to register as a sex offender if convicted of a sex crime. Factors that determine sex offender registration include the nature and severity of the offense, aggravating factors, civil commitment, and risk level. You must register as a sex offender if you are relocating to Minnesota for school, work, or to live and have been convicted of sex crimes elsewhere.
People facing drug crime charges who were victims of unlawful search or seizure may wonder, “What role does search and seizure law play in drug cases?” Under the Fourth Amendment, search and seizure law protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement officers. The Minnesota constitution provides similar protections.