East Side neighbors say SAPD drug crackdown yields results
SAN ANTONIO - Synthetic drug use is on the decline on the city's east side.
That's according to people in Denver Heights. They credit a crackdown led by San Antonio Police.
"This stuff is extremely potent drug," said Dr. David Miramontes. "It's 100 to 200 times more potent than marijuana."
Dr. David Miramontes is talking about synthetic cannabinoids known on the street as Kush, k-2, and Spice.
"You take too much you can get into a trouble really quick," Miramontes said.
Experts say they’re potent drugs that have plagued the Denver Heights community on the city's East Side, until now.
"I haven't seen prostitutes, I haven't seen any more people walking with drug problems or nothing and it's been calm," Juan Salazar said.
Nearly three weeks ago Fox San Antonio reported a different story.
Neighbors described men and women suspected of taking K-2 walking around Denver Heights in a zombie like state.
"They're like flying around acting like they're flying it's funny but I'm concerned about it," neighbor Gilbert Remirez said.
"You could be psychotic, agitated, you could have seizures or you can go into this catatonic state where you freeze," Miramontes said.
Some would even peel off their clothes and walk into oncoming traffic nude.
Salazar said, "Cars will stop but they can't get them out of the street."
Juan Salazar works at Nestors Automotive located at the center of the targeted area.
Dr. David Miramontes is medical director for SAFD paramedics who treat people who've taken the drug.
"You become really hot, your body temperature rises to the point where you're taking off clothes running in the street naked having seizures or vomiting profusely."
While first responders treated users San Antonio police have been effectively arresting suspected dealers.
"I haven't seen it anymore I think they're doing a good job I think the cops are breaking down all this for everybody's safety and it's a good thing a very good thing," Salazar said.
The police work is not over.
Increased patrols and undercover survelliance will continue.
