Pubdate: Tue, 18 Dec 2007
Source: Lancashire Evening Post (UK)
Copyright: 2007 Lancashire Evening Post
Contact:  http://www.lep.co.uk/newspaper.aspx
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2975
Author: Ben Robinson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://drugnews.org/topics/Phenacetin (Phenacetin)

COCAINE USERS FACE ADDED DANGER

Cocaine users in Lancashire are at an increased risk of  cancer 
because the drug is being mixed with another  dangerous banned substance.

The most popular cutting agent in the region is a pain  killer called 
Phenacetin, which has been linked to  kidney and liver cancers.

The chemical has a similar numbing effect to cocaine,  which means it 
is difficult for people to tell it is  impure.

Supt Dave Brian, from Lancashire Constabulary's Serious  and 
Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), said: "The average  purity of street 
cocaine used to be higher.

"We are now finding it to contain more of the harmful  adulterants 
added by dealers in order to increase their  profits.

"We urge pub owners and licensees to adopt a zero  tolerance approach 
to people taking or dealing any type  of drugs in their premises.

"We would also urge them to actively take measures to  stop people 
being able to take part in this type of  activity."

Lancashire Drug and Alcohol Action Team Strategic  Director Tom 
Woodcock said: "Here is further evidence  of the risks that people are taking.

"The cocaine trade is a totally unscrupulous business  from start to finish.

"Cocaine use causes a whole host of health and social  problems, but 
there is help available through local  drugs services for people who 
are finding cocaine a  difficult problem to break."

For further information call the drugline helpline  number on 01772 825492.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom