ADDICTS 'TAKING A BREAK' FROM HEROIN

Addicts are turning their backs on heroin in the wake of two
drug-related deaths, The Royal Gazette has learned.A batch of dirty
heroin, thought to contain rat poison or a similarly dangerous
substance, is circulating on the streets of Hamilton and some users
are "taking a break" from the drug, claims a street source.Drugs are
thought to be involved in the deaths of 33-year-old Tasha Dillas and
42-year-old Lowis Burcher with Police refusing to rule out foul play
in either case. The Royal Gazette has also learned that both of the
deceased have spent time in prison, with Ms Dillas only being released
in the past couple of weeks.Police have warned that a substance
harmful to health could be in heroin being distributed on the Island
and that its use could have "deadly consequences".This has spread fear
among some users who have chosen to stick to their second choice drug,
cocaine, in the short-term."There are a lot of scared people out
there," said a former drug dealer who knew both the deceased."I know
of a few guys who have said to me 'there's some bad st around, I'm
taking a break'."Two people have died and nobody knows why yet. But
some of these guys don't want to take the chance and are just sticking
to coke."Don't be surprised if there are more robberies, people will
get desperate for this stuff - and it isn't cheap."The street-wise
guys know who has the good heroin and who has the bad heroin, but
there will still be some suckers out there who will take anything -
and that is where we have to worry about who else will get hurt."She
said that people were turning to coke which offers a shorter high for
users although ultimately is more expensive as addicts need to take
repeated hits to match the longer-term highs of heroin.

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines confirmed an autopsy into Mr. Burcher's
death has been completed and Ms Dillas' took place last night,
although the results would not be made public for now, instead they
would form part of a Csoroner's report for any future inquest.

National Drugs Commission CEO Dr. Don Phillip was again unavailable
for comment today.

The funeral of Mr. Burcher will take place tomorrow afternoon at
3.p.m. at St. John's Church, Pembroke.