The synthetic "zombie drugs" known as "flakka" and "Monkey Dust" are gaining in popularity in Belgium – a trend that is reflected in the rising amounts of the drugs seized by customs officials.
Consumption trends have been evolving in Belgium, with designer drugs becoming increasingly common. This includes 3-MMC (dubbed "kitty" or "3M" by users) and 4-MMC (aka "meow meow"), which both are rapidly surpassing established substances such as ecstasy as "go-to party drugs". However, authorities are also raising concerns about potentially dangerous synthetic products, commonly referred to as "zombie drugs".
"The public prosecutor's offices previously reported an increase in the number of files on the synthetic 'zombie drugs' flakka and Monkey Dust," said the Finance Ministry, which oversees Belgium's customs service. "The latest customs figures confirm this trend."
Both drugs are among a larger group of narcotics that have been banned in Belgium since 2017 under a generic drug law. However, they are increasingly being intercepted by Belgian customs. The General Administration of Customs and Excise (AAD&A) announced that seizures of exports of these designer drugs are rapidly increasing.
Half-naked man and eating glass
"Zombie drugs" refers to narcotics that leave people dazed and unresponsive. These have become particularly prevalent in the United States, where communities have been devastated by mixtures of fentanyl – a powerful synthetic opioid which is estimated to have killed more than 70,000 Americans last year – and xylazine or "tranq".
While these drugs are thought to be less common in Brussels, the public prosecutor in West Flanders reported an increase in the use of the dangerous and highly addictive "zombie drug" flakka two years ago. One man who had taken the drug was detained by police after running around half-naked and out of control; another person under the influence killed a cyclist.
Credit: Finance Ministry
In 2022, customs confiscated only 16 grams of this particular "zombie drug". That figure has risen to 1,844 grams this far in 2024 – a 115-fold increase. One gram of flakka costs around €5 in Belgium – much cheaper than heroin, which costs around €30 per gram. This could explain the rise in popularity.
Meanwhile, customs seized 1,737 grams of Monkey Dust or "bath salts" this year. This illegal substance, related to amphetamines, has been behind severe cases of aggression, hallucinations and violent spasms – especially in East Flanders. The drug made headlines abroad after users were reported jumping from buildings and eating glass.
"Both flakka and Monkey Dust are highly dangerous and highly addictive synthetic designer drugs. The effects are more potent and dangerous than those of ecstasy or cocaine, among others," the Finance Ministry stated. "Using these drugs can lead to severe hallucinations, uncontrolled movements and even violent behaviour." People taking the drugs often lose consciousness, ending up in very dangerous situations.
"Even with limited use, this drug can cause a lot of short-term damage to mental and physical health." All the drugs that were seized were found in postal packages bound for the United Kingdom.
