Pubdate: Tue, 10 Jun 2008
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Joe Couture
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)

CHEMIST DIED ALLEGEDLY CONCOCTING HIS OWN DRUGS

Kits Resident, 44, Was 'Making Psychedelics For His Own Use'

A 44-year-old man who died in his clandestine drug lab in Kitsilano 
was a "professional chemist making psychedelics for his own use," a 
friend said yesterday.

Paul Haden, 44, was found dead Saturday night on the floor of his 
lab, in a suite in an apartment block in the 2500-block Balsam Street.

"The details, if released in truth, will show that he was a 
responsible, professional chemist making psychedelics for his own 
use," the friend wrote anonymously in an e-mail to The Province.

"Something clearly went wrong but he was not one to knowingly place 
his neighbours in harm's way. He was no meth dealer. He was a good man."

Police said they found about half a kilogram of what they believe is 
ecstasy in the lab, which they said was for more than personal use.

They also found a .22-calibre rifle and a pistol registered to the 
tenant, who wasn't known to police.

Haden's elder brother, Bruce Haden, said the family is grieving their 
loss and was unaware of the illegal activities.

"He was a fine man," Haden said yesterday, declining to comment further.

Paul Haden is thought to have been killed by toxic fumes from the 
drugs, although the cause of death will not be confirmed until the 
autopsy is complete.

Approximately 40 tenants of the Balsam Street complex were allowed 
back into their apartments last night.

Patti Bacchus of Balfour Properties had said earlier yesterday the 
company had not received the all-clear from Vancouver Coastal Health 
to let tenants back in.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom