The use of the amphetamine-like stimulant alpha-PVP has surged dramatically in Finland, with police and healthcare officials sounding the alarm over rising violence, psychosis, and crime linked to the drug.
Sharp Rise in Use and Seizures
Authorities report a staggering near-800% increase in alpha-PVP seizures in 2025, from 41 to 354 cases in Helsinki alone in the first half of the year. Nationally, more than eight kilograms of alpha-PVP—known on the street as “peukku”—have been confiscated so far this year, a vast jump from under 500 grams in 2020. Wastewater drug testing by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare confirms a broad and steep increase in consumption, especially in Helsinki and surrounding regions.
Imported by Criminal Networks
The spike is partly attributed to smuggling by criminal gangs with links to Sweden and Albania, mainly through the Baltic countries. Finnish police note that foreign-organized groups are professionalizing drug import channels, making alpha-PVP widely available in cities and online marketplaces.
Unpredictable, Dangerous Effects
Alpha-PVP’s effects are described as “limitless” and highly intense but short-lived, rapidly compelling users to seek more. Former users report feelings of complete loss of control, intense paranoia, and near-death experiences. Healthcare providers and police say the drug frequently causes unpredictable aggression, psychosis, violent outbursts, confusion, and agitation, with particularly severe risks of overdose due to the drug’s potency (effective doses range from 1 to 25 milligrams).
Impact on Healthcare and Public Safety
Hospitals have seen a major surge in emergency cases involving alpha-PVP, with maternity wards even reporting women attempting to give birth while in psychotic states from the drug. Calls to police for public disturbances have jumped sharply, and there is a documented 10% rise in overall crime and a 50% increase in reports of public disorder in affected urban areas. Users often finance their addiction through robberies, burglaries, theft, and shoplifting.
Growing Social and Criminal Problem
Police and local health services emphasize that much of the problem is being exacerbated by the drug’s easy online availability and its low cost, attracting both new and existing users. Authorities are intensifying street and cyber surveillance efforts, but warn that broader health measures and more robust treatment pathways are necessary to address the growing crisis.
Limited Spread in Neighbouring Sweden
While Swedish and Albanian gangs are identified as key sources of Finland’s alpha-PVP supply, police in Sweden report the drug remains rare in their country, with only sporadic previous issues in select cities since 2017.
The unprecedented rise in alpha-PVP use marks a new challenge for Finland’s public health and security sectors, highlighting urgent needs for prevention, international cooperation, and social support measures.