CANADA FLOODING U.S. WITH ECSTASY, DRUG CZAR SAYS

VANCOUVER - A resurgence of the use of ecstasy by young Americans is
being fuelled by Canadian producers smuggling the illegal designer
drug -- which is increasingly laced with crystal meth -- into the
U.S., according to the White House drug czar. John Walters, director
of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, is warning Americans
to be aware of a "dangerous new drug threat coming from Canada."

In a news release distributed in the U.S. and Canada, Mr. Walters
warned that ecstasy -- a manufactured pill that triggers the
feel-good brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine -- is becoming popular again.

He said ecstasy usage rose in the 1990s in the rave culture, when
users took the "hug drug" and danced for hours, but its use dropped
in the early 2000s.

But a recent 40-per-cent spike in use between 2005 and 2006, with
one-third of users being under 18, worries Mr. Walters.

"These increases coincide with increased trafficking of ecstasy from
Canada," his office said.

A spokesman from the office, who spoke on condition he wouldn't be
identified, said there is virtually no ecstasy produced in the U.S.,
possibly because of more stringent controls over the importation of
the ingredients needed to produce the pills.