Pubdate: Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Source: Similkameen Spotlight (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Similkameen Spotlight
Contact:  http://www.similkameenspotlight.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3484
Author: Michaela Garstin
Referenced: Health Canada: 
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/drugs-drogues/learn-renseigne/ecstasy-eng.php

PRINCETON RCMP GIVE ECSTASY WARNING

The Princeton RCMP are warning people about the party-drug ecstasy 
after a recent rash of deaths in B.C. from overdosing.

Nineteen people have died after taking ecstasy in B.C. in the last 
seven months. Many of the deceased, aged 14 to 37, also had PMMA in 
their systems. Police believe the ecstasy was laced with the 
stimulant during its manufacture.

PMMA, or paramethoxy-methamphetamine, hasn't been found in ecstasy in 
B.C. previously, but traces have been spotted in people who have died 
from the drug in Alberta.

Princeton is along a main route from the Lower Mainland to the 
Okanagan and the Kootenays, said Princeton RCMP Const. John Leach, 
who co-ordinates the town's Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.

Drugs can even be transported through the backwoods near Princeton on 
ATVs and sleds.

Just because ecstasy may not be manufactured in Princeton, doesn't 
mean it's not available in town, Leach said.

"There are no borders for drugs - they go from town to town, country 
to country."

Ecstasy - often referred to as a party, recreational or designer drug 
- - causes a "rush" feeling followed by a feeling of calm with a 
heightened perception of colour and sound.

But the stimulant drug can cause high blood pressure, faintness and 
panic attacks. More severely, it can result in loss of consciousness, 
seizures and a drastic rise in body temperature.

Overdoses are the result of heart failure or extreme heat stroke.

Leach said he has heard people try to minimize the risks associated 
with drugs like ecstasy.

"It's addictive - drugs are all addictive. Even prescription drugs 
used improperly can be very, very harmful."

The main ingredient in ecstasy is MDMA, but it is impossible to know 
what else is in it, Leach said.

"There are more and more forms and variations of ecstasy. A lot of 
chemicals are put in to make it more addictive."

Drug makers add PMMA in ecstasy as cheap filler, police have reported.

The pills are made in bright colours with characters on them to look 
appealing, Leach said. Logos, cartoons and small sayings have all 
been spotted on the drug.

It's important to remember drug dealers are out to make money, not 
ensure the people they deal to don't overdose or die, he said.

"One-time usage can be damaging. People think you have to use it over 
and over, but that's not the case."

Leach teaches Princeton students about the harmful effects of drugs, 
some of which can be life-long.

Ecstasy can cause long-term damage to brain areas that are critical 
for thought and memory.

But it's not only the health affects Leach is warning about.

"All of a sudden, you need that drug. To get that drug you need 
money, so this leads to other criminal offences like break-and-enter 
or robbery to support your habit."

For more information on the effects of ecstasy visit the Health Canada website.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart