In late February it was reported that a new synthetic drug called Wiz was making the rounds in the city of Durban on South Africa’s east coast. The drug was available in small attractive packets and schoolchildren were the primary users at the time. Law enforcement only became aware of the drug when one of the schoolchildren collapsed at school after smoking it.
While synthetic drugs (such as methamphetamines or Mandrax tablets) are not new in South Africa, there have been doubts as to whether new psychoactive substances were available in the country. Wiz proves that they are.
While the category of new psychoactive substances that Wiz falls under still needs to be ascertained, it’s likely to be a synthetic cannabinoid similar to that discovered in Gauteng. In 2018 a marijuana-like drug was identified in Pretoria that was available for purchase over the counter. Forensic tests conducted on the product revealed that it was an illegal classified drug. Analysis of the samples submitted indicated the presence of a certain type of synthetic cannabinoid.
Synthetic cannabinoid (also known as synthetic marijuana or synthetic cannabis) shouldn’t be confused with traditional marijuana or cannabis. The synthetic varieties are manufactured in laboratories and sold to willing customers as an alternative to marijuana. A synthetic cannabinoid is not a derivative of cannabis. It is a chemical that produces effects similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the primary psychoactive chemical in herbal cannabis.
However, synthetic cannabinoids can be up to 100 times more potent than THC and can result in severe side effects quite different from those of cannabis. These include a rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion and hallucinations.
The drug comes in appealing packaging, usually with wording suggesting that the ingredients are ‘natural and organic’. Aimed at teenagers and primarily schoolchildren, the drug’s low price makes it attractive to young people. The cost varies from R30 at tuck shops to R80 at a tobacco shop.
The drug is often disguised in packaging that brands it as incense, with promises that it emits a ‘pleasant, very relaxing smoke when burned’ and that it’s ‘Not for human consumption.’
It remains unclear whether the synthetic cannabinoid found in South Africa is locally manufactured or imported. These drugs are usually shipped from China to manufacturers who prepare the blends using acetone solvents.
A manufacturer would for example purchase a synthetic cannabinoid compound such as JWH-018 or 5-Fluoro-ADB online. Once received, the compound – in powder form – is dissolved in an acetone solvent and then sprayed onto a plant host, or the host is soaked in it. Once the plant is dried, it’s crushed into a fine powder and packaged for sale.
It seems synthetic cannabinoids and their derivatives are still relatively new on the drug scene, and aren’t found on the scale of other illegal substances such as methamphetamines or heroin. But they could become the number one illegal drug on the market because they are easy to manufacture, affordable and have higher euphoric effects than other drugs. In Mauritius for example synthetic cannabinoid has overtaken heroin as the drug of choice among users and dealers.
One of the key reasons for the proliferation of synthetic cannabinoid is the lack of awareness around the drug, both from law enforcement and the general public. Also, by the time one type of synthetic cannabinoid is discovered and included in legislation, manufacturers have already altered the compound to circumvent the law.
Both law enforcement (customs officers and the police) and the public must stay informed of new developments in synthetic drugs in their community. Better border controls can also stem the synthetic drug trade, especially the drug’s entry points. This requires investment in technologies to detect the type of synthetic drugs coming in.
The role of customs officials is key given that these drugs can be purchased online and delivered by postal services. Collaboration between customs, police and prosecutors is also essential, especially in the sharing of information about new types of drugs and ingredients that become available.
The discovery of Wiz in Durban demonstrates that synthetic drugs are becoming a reality in South Africa. Dealers are targeting schoolchildren which will not only bring adverse health effects, but also negatively impact young people’s education.
Little is known about the extent and scope of new psychoactive substances in South Africa. But the problem must be addressed sooner rather than later, given the growing trends of new psychoactive drugs worldwide.
Richard Chelin, Researcher, ENACT, ISS Pretoria
