Authorities are concerned that at least three overdose deaths in West Virginia may be linked to a growing trend in Boone County where police believe drug users are turning to wasp spray as an alternative form of methamphetamine.
According to WCHS-TV, Sgt. Charles Sutphin with the West Virginia State Police said that people are using the cans of insect repellent to create a “synthetic” version of the drug.
“We’re seeing this here on the streets in Boone County,” Sutphin told Charleston’s WCHS-TV. “People are making a synthetic type methamphetamine out of wasp spray.”
The sergeant said the wasp spray can cause erratic behavior and extreme swelling of the hands and feet. He also warned that users can experience a fatal allergic reaction to the synthetic drug after repeated usage.
“From what we’re being told, if you use it, you know, you might use it once or twice and be fine, but the third time when your body hits that allergic reaction, it can kill you.”
State police reported that nearly 30 cans of Wasp Spray were sold last Friday alone in Boone County and they suspect that three recent overdoses are related to the spike in Wasp Spray usage.
