ECSTASY SUSPECTED IN TEEN DEATH

RCMP say a lethal mix of White Dove and Blue Medallion ecstasy pills may
have led to the death a Red Deer teen last weekend.

Red Deer city RCMP Cpl. Buck Buchanan said the 18-year-old woman was out
dancing Saturday night and Sunday morning with a group of four young adults
at the Euphoria dance club.

He said the teen, whose name has not been released, took two ecstasy pills
with the underworld trade names of White Dove and Blue Medallion.

Ecstasy is a popular but potentially lethal party stimulant drug for many
young people, especially those who attend rave clubs. The drug provides the
user with increased energy and a sense of euphoria, as well as reducing
inhibitions.

"For some unknown reason she didn't particularly like ecstasy. I think it
was a girlfriend that indicated that it usually made her sick and that she
used it maybe once a month," said Buchanan.

"It seems strange that other people who are with her are doing the same
thing and don't seem to have the same affect."

RCMP do not believe foul play was involved in the woman's death, and are
awaiting the results of an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.

Buchanan said the teen went home with her group of friends at about 6 a.m.

The 18-year-old fell asleep but her friends -- including a boyfriend --
were concerned about her and checked on her condition every half hour, said
Buchanan.

"The other people in their statements described things as her having a bad
trip. She just wasn't doing well," said Buchanan. "The boyfriend was
watching her and they checked on her three or four times, and the last time
she had checked out."

The friends called emergency services personnel shortly after 10 a.m. and
the teen subsequently died.

Although the use of ecstasy is considered widespread in the rave club
scene, Buchanan said it is not the drug of choice with most hardcore drug
users in the city.

"The guys upstairs are saying that coke seems to be the drug of choice
right now in Red Deer," said Buchanan. "You virtually have everything here
in Red Deer. There seems to be an increase in crystal meth as well. It
really depends on the individual."