TWO TEENS DIE AS RESULT OF DEADLY PILLS

Two Timmins teenagers died within 12 hours of each other and the
deaths are presumed to be casued by the ingestion of small red pills
distributed throughout three high schools.

Timmins Times -- Two Timmins teenagers died within 12 hours of each
other and the deaths are presumed to be casued by the ingestion of
small red pills distributed throughout three high schools.

According to Inspector Michael McGinn of the Timmins Police the death
of a 19 year-old male was reported at approximately 8:50 p.m. on
Thursday evening and another death of a 17 year-old male at 7:45 a.m.
on Friday, both in their separate residences.

Both young adults attended Rolland Michener Secondary School and both
initial reports indicated the possible ingestion of MS Contin, a
prescription morphine drug, most commonly sold on the streets as Oxy
or Oxy Contin.

McGinn said they obtained a pill, which they are currently presuming
the students had consumed.

"This particular one (pill) is a high-dose of time-released morphine,"
he explained. "We are speculating at this point that they either
didn't get the high they had anticipated and consumed additional
quantities, or they consumed it with other intoxicants that didn't
interact."

A post-mortem examination is being done, and Timmins Police are also
waiting on toxicology results to confirm the exact cause of death.

The pill is currently assumed to be in circulation at RMSS, Ecole
publique Renaissance, and another undetermined high school.

All secondary schools and school boards have been sent information,
including a photo of the drug, and have been asked to advise their
students of the effects.

McGinn advised The Times that they have already spoken to some of the
young men's contacts, and the Timmins Police are currently beginning a
criminal investigation. There is no current information available on
how or from who the young men purchased the drugs.

McGinn said the drug officers are familiar with the drug and are aware
that it is being distributed and in all likelihood, the dealers and
consumers don't know what the true effects of this drug are. They will
be getting in touch with the deceased's initial acquaintances and
friends in hope of acquiring additional information.

The police's initial concern is public safety and they ask that anyone
in possession of this drug do not consume it and turn it into police.
Should someone crush or chew the tablets, a dangerously large amount
of morphine could enter the bloodstream at once.