TWO COPS TESTED FOR AIDS AFTER DIRTY NEEDLE PRICKING

Two RCMP officers will be tested for the AIDS virus and are taking
anti-viral medication after they were pricked with "contaminated
needles" during a drug raid in Maple Ridge.

The officers are taking anti-viral medication "to prevent the
development of medical complications" from the hypodermic needles, the
Ridge-Meadows RCMP said yesterday.

The incident occurred Friday during a drug raid at a residence at
12167-223rd Street in Maple Ridge.

Police could not say exactly how the officers came in contact with the
needles.

The RCMP had executed search warrants for the raid in response to
ongoing complaints of drug trafficking, RCMP said.

Eight members of the RCMP participated in the raid and arrested seven
people. Four people were charged with possession of cocaine for the
purpose of trafficking.

A small quantity of cocaine was seized along with scales, drug recording
sheets and packaging.

Two people were held on unrelated outstanding warrants and the rest were
released for future court appearances.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus) can be spread by intravenous drug
users sharing needles and through the exchange of bodily fluids,
particularly during sexual intercourse. Police can become infected with
HIV by coming in direct contact with infected blood through injury with
a contaminated needle.

People who inject drugs into their bodies have a high risk of being
exposed to infected blood by sharing needles, syringes or equipment used
to prepare drugs.

Maple Ridge RCMP also raided a marijuana grow operation at a residence
in the 22300-block 122nd Avenue.