TAINTED COCAINE PROMPTS WARNING

Tainted cocaine found in Alberta and B.C. is also likely to be in this
province leading Saskatchewan's chief medical health officer to warn
health care workers, addictions counsellors and cocaine users.

Health care professionals in Saskatchewan who work with drug users and
have knowledge of drug trafficking patterns in the province have said
it is likely this cocaine has made its way east to Saskatchewan, said
Dr. Moira McKinnon.

Levasimole, an antibiotic to treat worm infestations in animals, has
been added to powdered cocaine in Alberta and B.C. It suppresses one's
immune system allowing minor infections to become potentially deadly.
At least 10 residents of British Columbia and seven residents of
Alberta have gotten sick because of this combination.

No cases have been reported in Saskatchewan, but McKinnon said anyone
who uses cocaine by injecting it or inhaling it needs to be aware.

"We know there is considerable use of cocaine in the province," said
McKinnon.

Communities doing well economically are where RCMP officers tend to
see higher drug use rates meaning those areas are where this cocaine
could show up in Saskatchewan, said Sgt. Carole Raymond, RCMP
spokeswoman for the province.

Anyone who has used cocaine and experienced continuing fever or
chills, sore throat, swollen glands, a white coating of the mouth,
tongue or throat, skin infections, sores around one's mouth or anus or
pneumonia should seek "immediate medical attention."

Discussing one's drug use is a matter that remains between a patient
and one's physician, said McKinnon.

Finding the source of the contaminated drug would be difficult. Since
this was first detected in Alberta and B.C., Raymond said it is likely
it originated in Canada in one of those provinces.

Those seeking help with their drug use can also find support through
the HealthLine, a function of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, at
1-877-800-0002.