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NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Police in the NWT are warning residents of a deadly batch of ecstasy laced with paramethoxymethamphetamine (PPMA) - a batch that is responsible for 18 deaths in British Columbia and six in Alberta over the past six months.

A deadly batch of ecstasy responsible for the deaths of 24 people in British Columbia and Alberta in the past six months might have made its way into the NWT. - photo courtesy of RCMP G Division

Officials with RCMP G Division have gained intelligence that suggests the illegal drug is making its way to streets in NWT communities and are warning users of the potential heath risks.

"As far as I know, it's not being created here but we know of examples that it is here," Cpl. Wes Heron said. "It's not that we're doing huge seizures or even small seizures. All of our stuff is intelligence led. It's people letting us know that stuff is around and of course it falls into our daily business as just one of the many many types of illegal drugs that we try to eradicate."

Ecstasy, or MDMA as it's formally known, has a chemical structure that is similar to that of amphetamine, a stimulant, and mescaline, a hallucinogen.

Due to the percentage of PPMA in the current batch, the prolonged effects of the drug are of particular concern, because users might be encouraged to take more, not realizing the effects take longer to feel.

"The effects, especially of PPMA, are slow to come on," Heron said. "People mistakenly say 'this is no good, maybe I got a bad dose,' so they take a second one and then the effects start to happen, which really puts that person in a position of danger."

The PMMA component of the drug can lead to severe heath conditions including - hyperthermia, Tachycardia (elevated heart rate), agitation, confusion, convulsions and cerebral hemorrhaging (swelling of the brain).

"(One of the side effects is) Hyperthermia, which shouldn't be confused with hypothermia," Heron said. "Hyperthermia is when your body temperature rises, you start sweating, you become flushed."

Those who believe they are experiencing the side effects are urged to seek immediate medical attention.

"If you see someone (that's taken it), watch for these signs," Heron said. "If you know that you've seen the person taking ecstasy, or you have and you start suffering any of these symptoms, please get to a doctor."

Throughout Canada the deadly batch of ecstasy is appearing on the streets in three different versions, Heron said.

"This stuff comes in different forms, it comes in a capsule, a straight powder and tablets," Heron said. "Be careful, this isn't to be mistaken for candy, it comes in different colours, this is all done by the illegal cooks of this drug to entice people to take it ... this is a deadly, deadly drug and highly illegal."

Those with any knowledge about the drug are asked to call their local RCMP detachment or Crimestoppers.

"We would love the public's help with any drug but this drug that's coming up we'd love to hear if they have any knowledge or information that could help us," Heron said.

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