ECSTASY USE ON RISE

Ecstasy occupies a niche market in Winnipeg but is growing in popularity,
says a city drug cop. "It's not as common as cocaine," said Sgt. Chris
Huminski of the Winnipeg police drug unit. "But drugs like ecstasy, with
kids thinking it is safe, could be serious up to being fatal. It's a concern."

Crack Top Spot

Crack cocaine still takes top spot, he said. Methamphetamines are getting
more popular, as is ecstasy.

"Over the last few years we have seen a marked increase," he said.

Huminski said ecstasy users are often ravers, participants in all-night
dance parties.

"It has a presence among that group," he said. "It's quite available, but
it has a limited market compared to other drugs."

Lori Middendorp, of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, said in 2001
ecstasy use in high school kids averaged 4.3%. That number is lower than
cocaine use, which was at 4.5%.

"Ecstasy is there but not near in comparison to other substances," she
said. Marijuana, magic mushrooms and alcohol are the most frequently abused
substances.

But any drug use is a concern, she said, adding talking openly with kids
about drugs is the best way to help them make positive choices. Scare
tactics don't work.