NEW ECSTASY TREND DISTURBING

One-hundred-eight grams of ecstasy seized during May confirms
suspicions that use of the drug is on the rise in the Valley, RCMP
Cpl. Andrew Irvine stated in a recent report to Cumberland council.

The seizure, valued at $2,100, includes 99 grams seized from a single
individual, Irvine said.

Incidents involving ecstasy, known to pharmacists as
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), seem to occur in waves, RCMP
Const. Dean Maxwell said recently after unrelated incidents in May
caused two teenage girls to be taken to St. Joseph's Hospital after
suffering serious reactions to ecstasy and alcohol.

In addition to the MDMA, the Comox Valley RCMP drug squad's "street
crew" rolled up marijuana grow operations including 3,250 marijuana
plants worth a whopping $3.2 million.

Other seizures during May included 127 grams of cocaine valued at
$5,800, 18 grams of heroin valued at $6,250, and 48 grams of hashish
valued at $720.

"These seizures were, in part, the result of the execution of five
search warrants. Our officers also seized firearms, cash and growing
equipment. Seventeen people were charged with a variety of drug and
weapons offences," Irvine said.

"We expect another busy summer and our resources will be stretched to
meet the demand."