Police issue 'purple drank' warning 13 May 2016

The name comes from the colour of the cough syrup, but it’s known by many other monikers including Texas tea, and, simply, drank.

Police warn it is “referenced frequently in some popular music and has now become increasingly popular among youth.”

Codeine, police said, is an opioid that can produce relaxation and euphoria when consumed in sufficient quantities. Promethazine is an antihistamine that also acts as a sedative.

The danger is that there is a risk of a fatal overdose due to the effect of codeine, which can slow or stop the heart and lungs

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The key ingredient in “Purple Drank” is prescription strength cough syrup which can be mixed with sweet sodas, popsicles and candy for flavor. The drink is also known as “sizzurp” and “lean”.

The drink was popularized by rappers Three 6 Mafia, who’s video “Sippin on some Sizzurp” has 5.8 million YouTube views.

Teens can be widely seen in social media videos promoting recipes for the drink.

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