On Monday, March 31, 17-year-old Deante James went missing from his family’s house in Enfield, England, after consuming what he believed to be marijuana but was actually laced with Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid that can lead to psychosis.
New reports reveal that he has been discovered safe after being missing for more than six weeks since leaving his house. After a weeks-long search by his family and authorities, he was discovered alive in May, his family informed the Mirror.
The teen’s 36-year-old mom, Vandana Bhogowoth, told the Mirror, “I’m so happy and relieved, thank God we’ve found him. When I got the call from the police to say he’d been found I was over the moon – I couldn’t stop crying.” She said that her son’s rescue was aided by the outlet’s missing persons campaign.
RELATED STORIES
“Thanks so much for everything the Mirror has done. It pushed the police to realize who he was even though his name had been entered onto the system incorrectly,” she added. “It’s great news and he’s now getting the help he needs.”
READ ALSO: SZA reveals how she convinced young fan to throw away ‘whippet drugs’ for a picture
James’ issues began earlier this spring, when he smoked the synthetic substance. After taking the Spice, the teen, who often enjoys working out, changed, according to Irish Sunday People. He was admitted to the hospital after hearing voices and experiencing hallucinations. According to the article, doctors informed his worried relatives that he was exhibiting symptoms of psychosis. When he got home, he disappeared with no money or phone.
James was later arrested after giving false information when he was stopped by the British Transport Police “on suspicion of fare evasion” three days after he left his house, officials told People. Since authorities were unaware that he was missing, he was released.
“Once his identity was confirmed, he was dearrested and allowed to leave,” the British Transport Police told People via email. “Although the teenager was reported missing to the Met Police prior to being arrested, no ‘missing’ marker was found when officers searched for his name on the police database.”
While James’ mother is relieved that her son is now safe, she is concerned that the error put her son at risk. She was afraid he had been abducted or killed during the weeks he was away, according to the Daily Record.
READ ALSO: Liam Payne: Late One Direction Singer’s Autopsy Reveals Several Drugs In His System
Now that he’s home, the teenager is “absolutely fine,” she said.
“He’s recovering and he’s going to get back to his absolute best self, so I’m really happy, positive and extremely grateful to everyone,” Bhogowoth told the outlet. “He’s looking forward to getting his life back on track and following his dreams.”
According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), K2 and Spice are only two of many trade names or brands for synthetic designer medicines that are meant to resemble THC, marijuana’s principal psychoactive element. These creative synthetic drugs belong to the synthetic cannabinoid class, and they are frequently advertised and sold as “herbal incense” or “potpourri.”
The psychoactive qualities of these products are being abused, and potential risks to one’s health and safety are not disclosed on the packaging.
Warnings have been issued by state poison centers and public health centers due to the negative consequences linked to the misuse of herbal incense items that include these synthetic cannabinoids.
Tachycardia (fast heartbeat), high blood pressure, agitation, anxiety, pallor, numbness, tingling, vomiting, hallucinations, tremors, seizures, and tachycardia were among these side effects. In certain cases, the negative health impacts may persist even after the substance user stops using it.
READ ALSO: Marlo Brown: Louisville man accused of driving with drugs gets $70K settlement
