Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB) Copyright: 2007 Canoe Limited Partnership Contact: http://www.winnipegsun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503 Author: Paul Turenne, Police Reporter Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) DEALERS LACE STREET DRUGS WITH DEADLY METH The pills have the word "love" printed on them or they're stamped with a variety of icons, such as happy faces and hearts. But cops say there is nothing cheerful or endearing about the latest designer drug that has hit city streets. Winnipeg police are warning drug users to be aware that more and more drugs in the city are being cut with methamphetamine, meaning users might be ingesting more than they think. Analysis of a recent drug seizure in the city has shown pills sold illegally as either ecstasy or caffeine pills contained methamphetamine, a dangerous and powerful drug made by mixing ephedrine with common chemicals like paint thinner, swimming pool cleaner, camping fuel or farm fertilizer. The small batch seized and analyzed by police consisted of white pills stamped with a Coca-Cola logo, but Sgt. Kelly Dennison, a spokesman for Winnipeg police, said it isn't just one batch of pills people need to look out for. "It's being sold in Winnipeg at large," he said. "We're starting to see meth injected into more illegal narcotics of all types. PUBLIC SAFETY "This is a public safety issue. People who are buying illegal narcotics are not getting what they think they're getting. Back in the day when you bought marijuana, you got marijuana, when you bought cocaine, you got cocaine. Now when you buy marijuana, half the time it's laced with meth. This is a newer thing we're seeing." Dennison said drug producers and dealers use meth in other drugs for two reasons: One, it's cheap to make because it uses common ingredients and, two, it has an addictive quality that makes for repeat business. "Say you buy five or 10 ecstasy pills from a dealer, but really there's meth in it. The next time you go to buy you're going to want the same thing you had last time," he said. WHAT IT DOES Methamphetamine facts: - - Methamphetamine, also known as speed, crank, ice, crystal meth or chalk, is a white, odourless, crystalline powder that is also a highly addictive stimulant. - - It is made mostly in underground drug labs by using common precursor chemicals, such as drain cleaner and paint thinner, to create a chemical reaction with ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. - - It can be snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked, producing a long-lasting high by releasing dopamine into the brain. - - It can cause users to become violent, paranoid, anxious, delusional or confused. Complications include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, weight loss and brain damage. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek