Headline: HHC and Its Analogues: The New Wave ofDrugs Disguised as Candies and Marshmallows
In an alarming discovery, Bulgarian Customs Agency officials have revealed that the psychoactive substance HHC and its analogues are being sold in a variety of forms, including gummy candies and marshallow treats, mostly online. Stefan Bakalov, head of the "Fighting Narcotics Trafficking" department at the "Customs Agency," shared these concerning details with NOVA.
Bakalov stated that there’s a growing interest in vaping among children aged 13 to 15, and using these substances can have severe effects on young minds, potentially leading to disorientation and hallucinations. He emphasized that HHC is the most commonly used substance in city parks and playgrounds.
In recent years, drug trafficking has shifted towards online orders of substances that are legal in some European countries. Bakalov reported that while initially intercepted packages contained vaping devices, in the past year, they’ve seized whole liters of these substances, predominantly transported via international courier services.
Bakalov further revealed that a network for distributing these drugs is being established, with online shops receiving shipments from abroad. Last year, his team confiscated over 35 liters of psychoactive substances—equivalent to approximately 35,000 doses. Notably, they seized around 17 kilograms of HHC alone.
With Bulgaria‘s accession to the Schengen Area, intercepting such packages has become more challenging. Bakalov mentioned that seized shipments have recently originated from countries like the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
Moreover, officials have started seizing new, modified analogues of hexahydrocannabinol, which are even more potent than the original substance.
This surge in the availability of HHC and its analogues in novel edible forms poses a significant risk, especially to younger individuals. As law enforcement agencies grapple with this evolving drug landscape, it’s crucial for parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to stay informed and vigilant.
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