ANOTHER ECSTASY OVERDOSE IN ABBOTSFORD

Woman Battles for Her Life

A 24-year-old Abbotsford woman is battling for her life after
ingesting ecstasy with three friends on New Year's Eve.

Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald said the woman, whose name has
not been released, was at a home in the 33700 block of George
Ferguson Way when she became unconscious and unresponsive.

She was treated on scene at about 6 a.m. on New Year's Day by BC
Ambulance and Abbotsford Fire Rescue personnel before being
transported to hospital.

MacDonald said the women, ages 23 to 31, took "numerous" blue ecstasy
pills throughout the evening, starting at the residence. They then
went out for the night and returned to the home, ingesting the last
pills at about 4 a.m.

The friends indicated that the victim consumed more pills than they
did, MacDonald said.

This is the second ecstasy overdose in Abbotsford in less than two
weeks. Cheryl McCormack, 17, died Dec. 22 after having taken ecstasy
with three other friends at a sleep-over on Dec. 19.

McCormack's friends indicated that the girls had been taking the
drug, which can suppress appetite, to aid in weight loss.

In the latest case, the women were using ecstasy solely as a
recreational drug, MacDonald said.

He said police want the public to be aware of the risks of using illicit drugs.

"My concern is that, for whatever reason, it (ecstasy) is in vogue
right now .. Either this is gaining popularity in our city or people
who are supplying it are marketing it more ... or doing something to
ensure it's getting out there more."

Police are trying to track down the source of the drug in the two overdoses.

Ecstasy, usually taken in pill form, is referred to as the "love
drug" because of the euphoric and relaxed feelings it produces.

However, because ecstasy is man-made, its contents and quality can
vary, according to Health Canada. It is sold as a tablet, capsule or
powder. The tablets are often stamped with a logo and are sold in
different colours.

It is similar to stimulant drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine
and can contain traces of other substances such as LSD, PCP or meth,
as well as soaps and detergents, the agency says.

The drug causes an increase in body temperature, blood pressure and
heart rate, which can lead to kidney or heart failure, strokes and
seizures, according to Health Canada.