Photo: MET Police
A 17-year-old boy who went missing after accidentally smoking synthetic pot has been found safe weeks after his disappearance, per PEOPLE.
Deante James, 17, initially went missing on March 31 from his home in Enfield, England after smoking what he thought was marijuana but was actually laced with Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid that can cause psychosis.
After the Spice hit his system, James began hearing voices and hallucinating. James was hospitalized, but fled home without money or his phone following his release.
James was stopped by the British Transport Police "on suspicion of fare evasion" three days after he left home and was arrested after providing false details. The 17-year-old was let go by authorities because they didn't know he was a missing person.
"Once his identity was confirmed, he was dearrested and allowed to leave," the British Transport Police said in a statement. "Although the teenager was reported missing to the Met Police prior to being arrested, no 'missing' marker was found when officers searched for his name on the police database."
James was found alive on May 17. Vandana Bhogowoth, James' mom, credits reports about his disappearance for helping her find her son.
“I’m so happy and relieved, thank God we’ve found him. When I got the call from the police to say he’d been found I was over the moon – I couldn’t stop crying,” Bhogowoth told The Mirror.
“Thanks so much for everything the Mirror has done. It pushed the police to realize who he was, even though his name had been entered onto the system incorrectly,” she added. “It’s great news, and he’s now getting the help he needs."
Bhogowoth said the teen is "absolutely fine," but she is upset that the miscommunication could've endangered her son.
“He’s recovering and he’s going to get back to his absolute best self, so I’m really happy, positive and extremely grateful to everyone,” Bhogowoth said. “He’s looking forward to getting his life back on track and following his dreams.”
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.