Pubdate: Wed, 04 Aug 2004 Source: Comox Valley Record (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Comox Valley Record Contact: http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/784 Author: Bruce MacInnis Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy) NEW ECSTASY TREND DISTURBING One-hundred-eight grams of ecstasy seized during May confirms suspicions that use of the drug is on the rise in the Valley, RCMP Cpl. Andrew Irvine stated in a recent report to Cumberland council. The seizure, valued at $2,100, includes 99 grams seized from a single individual, Irvine said. Incidents involving ecstasy, known to pharmacists as Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), seem to occur in waves, RCMP Const. Dean Maxwell said recently after unrelated incidents in May caused two teenage girls to be taken to St. Joseph's Hospital after suffering serious reactions to ecstasy and alcohol. In addition to the MDMA, the Comox Valley RCMP drug squad's "street crew" rolled up marijuana grow operations including 3,250 marijuana plants worth a whopping $3.2 million. Other seizures during May included 127 grams of cocaine valued at $5,800, 18 grams of heroin valued at $6,250, and 48 grams of hashish valued at $720. "These seizures were, in part, the result of the execution of five search warrants. Our officers also seized firearms, cash and growing equipment. Seventeen people were charged with a variety of drug and weapons offences," Irvine said. "We expect another busy summer and our resources will be stretched to meet the demand." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin