Two people were arrested Feb. 8 in Calgary after a covert operation uncovered ecstasy which tested positive for paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA), the chemical responsible for 14 deaths in Alberta and B.C.

With eight of the deaths occurring in Calgary and one in Red Deer, other regions of the province have not yet showed any incidences related to this case. Despite this fact local authorities are warning residents of the dangers that come along with any drug.

"The deaths in Calgary and British Columbia speak to the risks associated with that type of lifestyle," says Staff Sgt. Brain Jones of the Drayton Valley RCMP. "[Whether] you're a full-time user or a part time user, you're putting your life in someone else's hands by using that type of material. The more we learn about it, and how dangerous this one particular batch or type of ecstasy is, why would you put your life in somebody's hands when they have absolutely no regard for your safety and your concern?"

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