ADDITIVE TO COCAINE CAUSING PROBLEMS TO IMMUNE SYSTEM

Public health officials are warning street drug users to be wary of
drugs that could be laced with a dangerous substance after several
individuals throughout the province developed a form of immune system
suppression following the use of cocaine.

So far a total of seven people in Edmonton, Red Deer, southern and
northern Alberta have developed the condition, agranulocytosis, that
can leave the human body unable to fight off infections. For those who
develop the condition, even common infections can rapidly become
serious or even fatal.

A spokesperson for Alberta Health and Wellness didn't disclose where
exactly the southern Alberta case was reported, but advised all drug
users throughout the province to be wary.

"Obviously there is more than one source unless everybody bought it in
Edmonton and travelled with it," said spokesperson John Tuckwell.
"Just in general, the caution is if you use cocaine and develop any
form of an infection to go and see a medical professional."

The reported cases have been linked to cocaine that has been
contaminated with levamisole - a chemical compound developed to treat
intestinal worms in humans and animals. Health officials believe it
was likely used as a cutting agent.

In Lethbridge, police aren't aware of any recent cases of laced
cocaine in the city, but have seen the drug cut with substances like
ammonia, Novocain, baby laxatives and baking soda in the past.

"Generally speaking any kind of illicit drug is extremely dangerous,"
said Lethbridge regional police spokesperson Kristen Harding. "There
is no quality control with cocaine or any kind of drugs so you never
know what exactly you are getting."

Cocaine is often laced with a cutting agent, added Harding, so it can
be cooked and made into a smokeable form.