Belgium: Flakka drug still present in West Flanders two years after initial surge

Two years after its initial surge, the designer drug flakka, notorious as the 'zombie drug,' continues to be a concern in West Flanders, Belgium. While the drug first appeared in Roeselare and surrounding areas about 3.5 years ago, its presence is now widespread across the region. Wim D'hanis-Dick, director of the Kompas treatment center, confirms that flakka is no longer an exceptional phenomenon limited to a few locations but is now found in every city and municipality.

Although cannabis and cocaine remain the most popular illegal drugs, flakka has established a structural presence in drug treatment centers. D'hanis-Dick notes that approximately 12 percent of individuals seeking help at his center use flakka, with the figure rising to 32 percent among specific aid applicants. He acknowledges that current registration systems categorize flakka under 'other' new psychoactive substances, making precise measurement difficult, but efforts are underway for more accurate tracking.

Data from hospital laboratories, provided by Sciensano, indicate a notable increase in flakka intoxications in West Flanders between 2020 and 2023. During this period, intoxications rose from 0 in 2020 to 161 in 2023, representing 13 percent of all reported intoxications. While the numbers have since decreased to 77 intoxications in 2025 (8 percent), experts caution against interpreting these figures too literally. Maarten Degreef of Sciensano points out that increased local testing and the high cost of substance-specific testing can influence the data. Nevertheless, the figures serve as an indication of flakka's persistent presence in the region's drug landscape.

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Bij de mensen die we helpen, gebruikt zo'n 12 procent flakka, of 32 procent van onze hulpvragers.