Pubdate: Sat, 10 Jan 2009
Source: Kamloops Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Kamloops Daily News
Contact:  http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/679
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)

SECOND MAN DIES FROM SPIKED DRUGS

Concerns about a spiked narcotic making the rounds in Chase are 
mounting after a second man died in hospital and a fourth person overdosed.

A 19-year-old man was taken off life support at Royal Inland Hospital 
on Wednesday night. He died soon after.

The man and a 33-year-old woman overdosed and were brought to 
hospital the day before.

Chase RCMP Cpl. Mike Draper said Johnny Guitar, 51, died of an 
overdose at RIH on Monday.

All three are members of the Adams Lake Indian Band. Guitar was 
involved in First Nations' protests at the B.C. Assets building and 
Sun Peaks resort in 2001.

The trio ingested a mix of crack cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana at a 
party earlier in the week. One of the drugs is believed to be laced 
with a harmful substance.

A fourth person, a First Nations woman, was taken to RIH after 
overdosing Wednesday afternoon.

Draper said its likely she consumed the same drugs, purchased from a 
dealer in Scotch Creek.

He said he's heard rumours in the community that several more people 
have overdosed. These are unsubstantiated.

"We've got these two deaths and two people in hospital. That's 
enough," said Draper.

But people are worried. Chase secondary principal Jameel Aziz said 
staff are advising students to avoid any narcotic. Youths who are 
users are being told to dump their stash.

He said his staff doesn't condone drug use "but we know some students 
are using."

Staff and students knew the 19-year-old man. Grief counsellors have 
been brought in for anyone who needs help.

Mayor Harry Danyluk said he didn't learn about the laced narcotic 
until Tuesday, but the village has had a long battle with drugs.

"There are drug problems in this community. You can't deny it. You 
can't put your head in the sand," he said.

"But when you start losing lives, that's terrible."

The coroner's service is investigating. Regional coroner Bruce 
Chamberlayne said toxicology tests will reveal the offending narcotic 
and, hopefully, what it is spiked with.

He said all drugs are manufactured and, therefore, potentially dangerous.

"No one knows what they are taking."

Cocaine contaminated with an antibiotic called Levamisole is making 
the rounds in B.C. At least 10 people on Vancouver Island and in the 
Lower Mainland became seriously ill last month after using the drug.

An official with the Adams Lake band declined comment.

Draper said investigators are following up any and all leads. He 
asked anyone with information to phone Chase RCMP at 1-250-679-3221.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom