7 charged with trying to make popular street drug cocktail ‘sizzurp’

CHARLOTTE — Seven people face nearly 40 felony charges after authorities said they tried to get a hold of a controlled substance used to make a popular street drug cocktail.

A joint investigation led to the arrests and dozens of charges as part of “Operation Sizzurp.”

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According to the SBI, the suspects committed criminal acts related to obtaining or attempting to obtain the controlled substance promethazine with codeine syrup used to make the popular street drug cocktail known as “sizzurp, purple drank, purple passion and lean.”

The charges were filed in Mecklenburg, Union, Stanly, Iredell, Guilford, and Forsyth counties.

The investigation began in June of 2020 after investigators were made aware by healthcare providers and pharmacies of the passing of fraudulent prescriptions throughout the state.

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The SBI said the investigation led to the dismantling and disruption of a regional drug fraud network which stretched from Mecklenburg County to the Triad area.

According to investigators, the suspects traveled across the state to pass illegal prescriptions at multiple pharmacies. The names and identifications of several healthcare providers from different areas of the state were used in the creation of the fictitious prescriptions, the SBI said.

Below is a list of those who have been arrested/charged:

Edwardo Antwon Davis, Jr.