OFFICIALS WARN ABOUT TAINTED COCAINE

At least 10 B.C. residents have required serious medical attention,
possibly after snorting cocaine contaminated with an antibiotic used
to treat worm infestations in animals.

Public health officials are warning doctors, social service agencies
and drug users of the tainted coke after receiving reports of people
becoming seriously ill after using drugs likely mixed with levamisole.

The 10 cases were reported on Vancouver Island and in the Lower
Mainland. Patients suffered from an abnormally low number of a type of
white blood cell that serves as the main defence against infections.