.

Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Yellowknife RCMP are cautioning the public of the dangers of street drugs, particularly ecstasy, after the recent suspected overdose deaths of youths in Alberta.

Police are reminding the public of the dangers of the drug ecstasy, pictured above, also known as "E," after a string of teenage deaths in Alberta. Ecstasy is made of chemicals, said RCMP Sgt. Wayne Norris, who added, "Lord only knows what's in (it)." - photo courtesy of the RCMP

"A lot of our (drug) investigations are resulting in Alberta connections," RCMP Sgt. Wayne Norris said of why police are concerned for the NWT.

The incidents police are referring to include a 14-year-old Edmonton girl whose hospitalization and subsequent April 25 death is being blamed on an ecstasy overdose.

Additionally, two teens from the Paul Band First Nation in Alberta died after ingesting ecstasy. Alberta media reported the teens died after taking the drug at a party on March 21.

"The chemicals used are highly toxic. It's stuff you clean your drain with," said Norris of the ecstasy pills. "You don't know what's in them. It could be steroids, it could be rat poison," he said. "Would you go to a back alley and buy a sandwich from a stranger?"

According to RCMP, most ecstasy contains methamphetamine, or meth, a powerful stimulant that makes it more addictive. Ecstasy can cause nausea, blurred vision, and dehydration. Possible side effects include failure of the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system and an overdose may lead to death.

"It's an emerging issue and we know it's in the North," said Norris.

In June 2008, 28 tablets of ecstasy were seized during a drug bust in Yellowknife, during which crack cocaine and magic mushrooms were also found. At the time, an RCMP spokesperson said magic mushrooms were not very common but ecstasy was beginning to appear on the streets more often.

Just last month, RCMP found more ecstasy in a downtown apartment during a search. On Saturday, April 25 two individuals were found with ecstasy as well as marijuana and a rifle. Both face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

"We need to work together," said Norris. "The community has to work together. Just say 'No'."