SUSPECTED TOXIC DRUGS LEAVE TWO INTERIOR PARTY-GOERS DEAD

Concerns about a spiked narcotic available in Chase are mounting after
a second man died in hospital and a fourth person overdosed.

A 19-year-old man was taken off life support on Wednesday night. He
died soon after.

The man and a 33-year-old woman overdosed and were brought to hospital
on Tuesday.

Chase RCMP Cpl. Mike Draper said Johnny Guitar, 51, died of an
overdose on Monday. All three were members of the Adams Lake Indian
Band. Guitar was involved in protests at the Sun Peaks resort in 2001.

The trio ingested a mix of crack cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana at a
party earlier in the week. One of the drugs is believed to be laced
with a harmful substance.

A fourth person was taken to RIH after overdosing Wednesday afternoon.
Draper said its likely she consumed the same drugs, purchased from a
dealer in Scotch Creek.

He said he's heard rumours in the community that several more people
have overdosed, but there is no evidence to substantiate the claims.

"We've got these two deaths and two people in hospital. That's
enough," said Draper.

But people are worried. Chase Secondary School principal Jameel Aziz
said staff are advising students to avoid any narcotic.

Youths who are users are being told to dump their stashes.

He said his staff doesn't condone drug use "but we know some students
are using."

Staff and students knew the 19-year-old man. Grief counsellors have
been brought in for anyone who needs help.

Mayor Harry Danyluk said he didn't learn about the laced narcotic
until Tuesday, but the village has had a long battle with drugs.

"There are drug problems in this community. You can't deny it. You
can't put your head in the sand," he said.

"But when you start losing lives, that's terrible."

The coroner's service is investigating. Regional coroner Bruce
Chamberlayne said he was hopeful that toxicology tests would reveal
the offending narcotic and identify the spiking ingredient.