The High Prairie General Investigation Section's Enhanced Drug Unit reports some cocaine has been cut with levamisole, a chemical that is a particular health hazard to drug abusers. "In several cases, cocaine and this chemical were found mixed together," says S/Sgt. Steven Daley. He also says a drug trafficker normally does not sell pure cocaine, but cuts or dilutes it with another substance like this.

There have been no reports of deaths in the High Prairie area. According to a news release issued by Cpl. Blaine Oster of the High Prairie GIS, seized cocaine sent to the Health Protection Laboratory in Winnipeg for analysis shows it was laced with levamisole. This chemical is used to treat intestinal worms in humans and animals, but when cut with cocaine it can leave the person vulnerable to infections, which can become serious and even fatal. "Individuals throughout Alberta have reportedly developed a form of immune system suppression after consuming cocaine," the news release also says. Those who use cocaine and develop fever and other signs of infection should seek medical attention immediately. The British Columbia Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport issued an advisory Dec. 11, providing a list of symptoms:

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Drugs and break-and-enters are the highest concerns of residents and businesses in the downtown core, according to an RCMP survey.

RCMP made a presentation to the Kamloops Downtown Residents' Association (KDRA) at the Canadian Coast Inn on Thursday. They discussed their survey and plans for a response strategy.

The survey of 343 residents and businesses in the downtown core was the first phase of the RCMP's Project Alpha: Working Together with the Community to Make the Downtown Area a Safer Place.

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