CORONER CALLS IT THE DEADLIEST DRUG

There are few commonly used recreational drugs more dangerous than
cocaine, says Ontario's deputy chief coroner. Dr. Jim Cairns said if
cocaine is among several drugs detected in the blood of someone who
died in a drug-related death it is almost always considered the cause
of death.

"The toxicity level is just so high," Cairns said.

He said it is an alkaloid, a member of the chemical family that
includes nicotine, caffeine and morphine.

The drug is a central nervous system stimulant derived from coca
leaves in South America and is changed into Cocaine Hydrochloride in
jungle labs in South America, said Dr. Jamie McCloud, an American
professor who has studied the properties of street cocaine.

McCloud said the product that leaves South America is about 75% pure
and includes kerosene, leaded gasoline and an assortment of other
manufacturing byproducts.

Before it gets to a Toronto user it is often "cut" or diluted it with
talcum powder, cornstarch or amphetamines, local police said.

The drug alters the absorption of the neurotransmitters, causing the
brain to "believe" it is satiated, McCloud said.

Cocaine decreases desire for food, increases blood pressure and alters
cardiac rhythm, breathing and body temperature.

It causes irregularity in the way the heart functions, heart attacks
and an increase in the rate of both respiration and body
transpiration.