DEADLY DESIGNER DRUGS TRIGGERING MAYHEM

A 15-year-old boy has died and three others rushed to hospital in
recent weeks after a highly toxic batch of "designer drugs" made its
way on to the streets of Winnipeg.

The alarming rash of medical emergencies has triggered a warning from
city police.

"The pills are dangerous and they're now starting to kill people,"
Sgt. Rod Hourd of the organized crime unit said Friday.

Police say the four reported incidents have all occurred in the past
month and involved young people who thought they were taking ecstasy.
Police say it appears these pills contain "an unknown quantity of
methamphetamine... which may be contributing to the medical
conditions of the individuals."

The teen who died was found to have a lethal dose of methamphetamine
in his system. Police wouldn't say where the boy got the drugs, where
they were taken or how many pills he ingested. His name hasn't been
released and the investigation into his death, along with the other
cases, remains ongoing.

"This is not a fun party drug for people to take at a rave," said Hourd.

He said everyone must be aware of this "serious health risk",
including parents who are being reminded to speak with their children
about the dangerous of drug use.

"Many of the products used to manufacture illegal drugs are toxic.
Individuals purchasing and consuming these drugs should be aware that
substances may have been added which can result in serious illness or
fatal consequences," police said in a written statement.

It's not just the drug users who may have to face serious
consequences -- police and justice officials have vowed to be
vigilant against drug dealers who peddle "poison" that ends up
killing a customer.

Curtis Hames Haas, 47, was arrested and charged with manslaughter and
trafficking earlier this year in what is believed to be the city's
first case of its kind.

He allegedly gave a young woman a fatal dose of morphine during a
party last fall.

Wendy Henry, 20, collapsed and stopped breathing after taking a
number of tablets inside a Dufferin Avenue rooming house suite that
Haas. The single mother was rushed to hospital but died the following morning.

Haas -- who has no prior criminal record -- was recently released on
bail. His case remains before the courts and will be watched closely
because of the potential precedent it could set.

A 1993 Supreme Court ruling upheld a conviction against an Ontario
man who injected a young woman with cocaine following an all-night
party. The victim -- who asked to receive the drugs -- dropped dead
of a heart attack. The Crown was able to prove what is known as
"unlawful act" manslaughter, saying the drug injection was clearly
illegal and the dealer should have known it was liable to cause
bodily harm or death.

Police are asking anyone with information about drug dealers in the
community to phone their tip line at 986-3411 or Crime Stoppers at
786-TIPS (8477). Information can also be provided by e-mailing at
www.winnipeg.capolice.