Pubdate: Thu, 19 Jun 2003
Source: Red Deer Express (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 Red Deer Express
Contact:  http://www.reddeerexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2920
Author: Johnnie Bachusky

ECSTASY SUSPECTED IN TEEN DEATH

RCMP say a lethal mix of White Dove and Blue Medallion ecstasy pills may 
have led to the death a Red Deer teen last weekend.

Red Deer city RCMP Cpl. Buck Buchanan said the 18-year-old woman was out 
dancing Saturday night and Sunday morning with a group of four young adults 
at the Euphoria dance club.

He said the teen, whose name has not been released, took two ecstasy pills 
with the underworld trade names of White Dove and Blue Medallion.

Ecstasy is a popular but potentially lethal party stimulant drug for many 
young people, especially those who attend rave clubs. The drug provides the 
user with increased energy and a sense of euphoria, as well as reducing 
inhibitions.

"For some unknown reason she didn't particularly like ecstasy. I think it 
was a girlfriend that indicated that it usually made her sick and that she 
used it maybe once a month," said Buchanan.

"It seems strange that other people who are with her are doing the same 
thing and don't seem to have the same affect."

RCMP do not believe foul play was involved in the woman's death, and are 
awaiting the results of an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.

Buchanan said the teen went home with her group of friends at about 6 a.m.

The 18-year-old fell asleep but her friends -- including a boyfriend -- 
were concerned about her and checked on her condition every half hour, said 
Buchanan.

"The other people in their statements described things as her having a bad 
trip. She just wasn't doing well," said Buchanan. "The boyfriend was 
watching her and they checked on her three or four times, and the last time 
she had checked out."

The friends called emergency services personnel shortly after 10 a.m. and 
the teen subsequently died.

Although the use of ecstasy is considered widespread in the rave club 
scene, Buchanan said it is not the drug of choice with most hardcore drug 
users in the city.

"The guys upstairs are saying that coke seems to be the drug of choice 
right now in Red Deer," said Buchanan. "You virtually have everything here 
in Red Deer. There seems to be an increase in crystal meth as well. It 
really depends on the individual."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens