DRUG CONTENT DENIED

But AGWA makers say popular new drink has high potential

A new alcohol on the Calgary market touted as the drink that "gets you high
as a kite" is causing a stir over its alleged cocaine content.

AGWA, a drink containing 30% alcohol, contains distillates from Bolivian
coca leaves -- the same plant used to make cocaine.

Manufactured by BABCO International, AGWA's website at www.agwabuzz.com,
dubs it the "Supercharge" spirit, and has anonymous reviews that say the
drink "gets you as high as a kite."

But officials with the company deny there is any trace of the illegal white
powder in the potent concoction.

"Claims that AGWA contains cocaine are false," said Andrew Stodart,
vice-president, North America, BABCO International.

"Before AGWA was approved for sale ... it was specially tested for traces of
cocaine -- and none was found."

According to BABCO officials, AGWA is made with bales of coca leaves
imported into Amsterdam from Bolivia.

The leaves are macerated and distilled. The cocaine residue (alkaline) is
removed from the pure distillate by the same pharmaceutical company that
distills the leaves.

"The coca leaf spirit drink contains no actual cocaine, but has been
reported to induce a more interesting effect than traditional spirits by
consumers and the media in various countries," said Stodart.

Stodart is hinting at extra sexual prowess brought on by the drink, which
also contains guarana root and Chinese ginseng, the green spirit's key
ingredients.

The website says, "if the Canadians are to be believed, Agwa has already had
an uplifting effect ... and the stories coming back from the Valentine's Day
promotion are not suitable for scientific scrutiny!"

According to local spirits retailers, the drink is popular among the younger
crowd in Calgary.

"It definitely appeals to the university kids," said Joe Kamaric, manager of
the Highlander Liquor Store on 19 St. and 16 Ave. N.W.

"It's high energy -- that's why it appeals to the kids, but I haven't sold a
great deal of it."