A deadly new form of crystal meth is sweeping across recession-hit Europe according to new reports.
Known as sisa, it is alarming authorities in Greece where the drug can be purchased for as little as €2 per hit.
Described as the cocaine of the poor, the new variant on crystal meth is said to contain battery acid and engine oil and makes users hypnotic and dangerous.
Sisa can be sniffed or injected and it does not need to be made in a laboratory according to sources. It is spreading rapidly and many have already died as a result of using it.
What is alarming both authorities and health professionals however is that it can burn one's insides and rapidly damage one's mental health.
Properly named methamphetamine, crystal meth can have dramatic health impacts on a person's appearance. It deteriorates facial features and damages muscle tissue. It is especially synonymous with mouth and teeth deterioration.
Methamphetamine
Regular crystal meth is still prevalent in Dublin as well, however. According to the Gardai, many African-owned businesses in the capital are mere fronts for crystal meth dealers.
The drug is responsible for the 'zombie'-like state of many addicts we currently witness in Dublin according to some reports.
Gardai in north-west Dublin say there has been a big increase in the drug's availability due to its price. It is €25 per bag i.e. less than half of what it costs to purchase cocaine.