Pubdate: Thu, 16 Oct 2003 Source: Royal Gazette, The (Bermuda) Copyright: 2003 The Royal Gazette Ltd. Contact: http://www.theroyalgazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2103 Author: Dan Rutstein Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) ADDICTS 'TAKING A BREAK' FROM HEROIN Addicts are turning their backs on heroin in the wake of two drug-related deaths, The Royal Gazette has learned.A batch of dirty heroin, thought to contain rat poison or a similarly dangerous substance, is circulating on the streets of Hamilton and some users are "taking a break" from the drug, claims a street source.Drugs are thought to be involved in the deaths of 33-year-old Tasha Dillas and 42-year-old Lowis Burcher with Police refusing to rule out foul play in either case. The Royal Gazette has also learned that both of the deceased have spent time in prison, with Ms Dillas only being released in the past couple of weeks.Police have warned that a substance harmful to health could be in heroin being distributed on the Island and that its use could have "deadly consequences".This has spread fear among some users who have chosen to stick to their second choice drug, cocaine, in the short-term."There are a lot of scared people out there," said a former drug dealer who knew both the deceased."I know of a few guys who have said to me 'there's some bad st around, I'm taking a break'."Two people have died and nobody knows why yet. But some of these guys don't want to take the chance and are just sticking to coke."Don't be surprised if there are more robberies, people will get desperate for this stuff - and it isn't cheap."The street-wise guys know who has the good heroin and who has the bad heroin, but there will still be some suckers out there who will take anything - and that is where we have to worry about who else will get hurt."She said that people were turning to coke which offers a shorter high for users although ultimately is more expensive as addicts need to take repeated hits to match the longer-term highs of heroin. Police spokesman Dwayne Caines confirmed an autopsy into Mr. Burcher's death has been completed and Ms Dillas' took place last night, although the results would not be made public for now, instead they would form part of a Csoroner's report for any future inquest. National Drugs Commission CEO Dr. Don Phillip was again unavailable for comment today. The funeral of Mr. Burcher will take place tomorrow afternoon at 3.p.m. at St. John's Church, Pembroke. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin