Machete found by police in Haukilahd. Photo: Western Uusimaa Police
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A 16-year-old brought a machete and the synthetic drug alpha-PVP to a student gathering in Espoo on Friday, police have confirmed. It is the first recorded case in Western Uusimaa of an underage person possessing the drug, also known by the street name “peukku.”
The incident took place during a traditional “nasujaiset” event, where senior upper secondary school students organise activities for new first-year pupils. Police encountered the teen in Haukilahd, near Mellsten beach, displaying confused and erratic behaviour.
Hannu Väänänen, Chief Inspector with the Western Uusimaa Police Department, said officers quickly determined the teen was not intoxicated by alcohol alone. A rapid drug test confirmed the presence of alpha-PVP, a stimulant considered highly dangerous.
“Police encountered a 16-year-old behaving incoherently who had a machete and brass knuckles in his possession,” said Väänänen. “He was also carrying narcotics. According to the test, at least part of the substance was alpha-PVP, a life-threatening synthetic drug.”
The teen is now under investigation for possession of a dangerous weapon and drug use offences. A preliminary investigation is under way.
According to police, machetes like the one recovered are easily available in commercial stores, raising further concerns about access to potentially lethal items among young people.
Friday’s nasujaiset drew large numbers of students, particularly to the Mellsten beach area. Due to multiple disturbances and the risk of further incidents, police cleared the beach around midnight to ensure public order and safety.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
