Authorities in Helsinki have raised alarms over a sharp increase in the use of alpha-PVP, a synthetic stimulant linked to severe addiction, psychosis, and a growing number of drug-related deaths.
The warning comes from the Nopsa drug monitoring network, led by Annuska Dal Maso, which works under Finland’s A Prevention (Ehyt) organisation. The network gathers data on emerging drug trends in collaboration with the police, Customs, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
“Drug use is part of everyday life in Helsinki now. We need to focus on saving lives,” said Dal Maso, speaking near Sörnäinen metro station, an area known for open drug use.
According to the network, the presence of alpha-PVP, referred to on the street as “peukku”, has clearly increased. The substance is typically smoked or injected. Its use is growing alongside other substances including amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines, ketamine, synthetic opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes, and substances such as nitrous oxide.
Dal Maso said the situation has worsened significantly over the past year. She noted that many users who previously used drugs occasionally are now in critical condition after shifting to alpha-PVP.
“This spring has been the most concerning period we’ve seen in a long time,” she said.
Police confirm the trend. Detective Chief Inspector Kimmo Sainio from the Helsinki Police Department said street-level drug activity has increased and is keeping officers busier than ever.
Sainio said alpha-PVP became more prominent after a disruption in the Finnish amphetamine market. The disruption followed a major international police operation in 2021, during which more than 100 people linked to organised crime were arrested.
With reduced availability, amphetamine quality dropped sharply. According to police, only about 7 percent of seized amphetamine was pure, with the rest containing unknown and potentially toxic substances.
Alpha-PVP, by contrast, is potent and addictive. It causes hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behaviour in some users. Its lower cost and high potency make it attractive, particularly to those with limited resources.
Customs and police have also reported other dangerous developments, including tampered medications. Authorities say tablets like Subutex may contain undeclared opioids, increasing overdose risks.
Despite rising synthetic drug use, heroin remains rare in Finland. Sainio noted that heroin use has not become established in Helsinki, unlike in Denmark and Norway.
Street prices of cocaine remain high, between €120 and €150 per gram, while alpha-PVP is reportedly sold for around €100 per gram.
The drug’s growing presence has also been confirmed in forensic investigations. Raimo A. Ketola, head of laboratory services at THL, said alpha-PVP was found in 35 deceased individuals during autopsies conducted in the first half of the year—the same number as during all of 2024.
Earlier this year, police dismantled an alpha-PVP laboratory in southwestern Finland. The street value of the substances seized was estimated at €500,000.
In addition to alpha-PVP, Ketola’s team has identified several new synthetic opioids. These include variants of nitazene, such as fluetonitazepyne, which have been found in seven deceased individuals so far this year. These substances are so potent that laboratory workers handling them are required to wear respiratory protection.
“These compounds are extremely dangerous. Almost all nitazene detections have been fatal,” said Ketola.
The origin of such adulteration is not always clear. In some cases, deadly substances are added deliberately to intensify effects. In others, they may be residues from earlier drug production using shared equipment.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and warn that the availability of unpredictable and deadly substances on the streets remains high, especially among younger users.
HT
