AUSTIN, Texas -- Austin-Travis County EMS reports K2 incident calls in January and February declined to 41, the lowest level since July 2014.

  • Drug is commonly referred to as synthetic marijuana
  • Officials say drug effects are more harmful

EMS has been tracking the use of K2 for several years. The drug is commonly referred to as synthetic marijuana, but officials say the effects of the drug are much more harmful than cannabis.

"The symptoms can be very wide and varied, as well as the potential for that product to be laced with other medicines or drugs," said EMS Capt. Darren Noak. "It's like playing Russian roulette with your life."

Over the years, the use of K2 has become more prevalent. Calls reached an all-time high of 457 in April 2017.

(Photo credit: ATC-EMS)

"Our law enforcement partners locally and even federally have done a tremendous job in bringing down the distribution," said Noak.

Detective Lonnie Gall, of the Austin Police Department, said the partnerships with officials across the state have helped get some of the drugs off the streets.

"Most of the K2 that's coming to Austin is either coming through the mail or being driven up from Houston," said Gall.​

Since starting a multi-agency team two years ago, nearly 200 dealers have been arrested at the state and federal level. The initiative also includes education on the dangers of the drug.

"Its multi-pronged. The district representatives are doing a really good job of educating the people most likely to use it, especially around the ARCH, explaining how bad it is and people's misconception that it is legal weed," said Gall.

CONTINUING COVERAGE:

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