SECOND MAN DIES FROM SPIKED DRUGS

Concerns about a spiked narcotic making the rounds 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 at Royal Inland Hospital
on Wednesday night. He died soon after.

The man and a 33-year-old woman overdosed and were brought to
hospital the day before.

Chase RCMP Cpl. Mike Draper said Johnny Guitar, 51, died of an
overdose at RIH on Monday.

All three are members of the Adams Lake Indian Band. Guitar was
involved in First Nations' protests at the B.C. Assets building and
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, a First Nations woman, 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. These are unsubstantiated.

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

But people are worried. Chase secondary principal Jameel Aziz said
staff are advising students to avoid any narcotic. Youths who are
users are being told to dump their stash.

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 toxicology tests will reveal the offending narcotic
and, hopefully, what it is spiked with.

He said all drugs are manufactured and, therefore, potentially dangerous.

"No one knows what they are taking."

Cocaine contaminated with an antibiotic called Levamisole is making
the rounds in B.C. At least 10 people on Vancouver Island and in the
Lower Mainland became seriously ill last month after using the drug.

An official with the Adams Lake band declined comment.

Draper said investigators are following up any and all leads. He
asked anyone with information to phone Chase RCMP at 1-250-679-3221.