Drugs seized

The largest ecstasy bust in Newfoundland and Labrador's history went down on the Northern Peninsula.

As of last Thursday, eight people had been arrested in Port Saunders, Hawkes Bay and St. Paul's. They face charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for trafficking in cocaine, possession of ecstasy for the purpose of trafficking and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The RCMP seized 15,000 ecstasy tablets, three kg of cocaine and five and a half lb. of marijuana. The estimated street value of the illicit drugs seized is $600,000.

According to RCMP Staff Sgt. George Noseworthy, more charges are pending.

"We know ecstasy is being used, but obviously the problem is more widespread than what we even considered," he told the Pen. "The cocaine and the marijuana have ready markets in adults, but the ecstasy was meant for the younger people."

Since the investigation is ongoing, Staff Sgt. Noseworthy wasn't able to release any details of the investigation leading to the arrests, other than to say that it "went down over the last couple of weeks."

He explained that the drugs were brought into the province for distribution and would have ended up in many Northern Peninsula communities.

"Just the quantity of the drugs seized certainly will put a dent into the active trafficking, it would have to. But people have to be aware of this stuff being in their communities - they need to partner with police to stop this because it will destroy the places that they love. These drugs, if used over a period of time, will destroy the fabric of these rural communities. What comes from these drugs is hard crimes, armed robberies and more domestic disputes."

While many parents have heard about cocaine and marijuana, ecstasy is a newer drug.

Also known as MDMA, ecstasy is a stimulant that, according to Wikipedia, produces a relaxed, euphoric sensation by directly affecting the serotonin receptors in the nervous system.

"The main thing here is it has the properties of a stimulant, it is a potent thing," said David Sparkes, a mental health and addictions counsellor in Port Saunders.

"People take it for enjoyment - much like some kids use beer to reduce their inhibitions. But this is very risky."

He explained that as an unregulated drug, the potency of ecstasy and what it's made from can vary, citing as an example the death of a 14-year-old Edmonton girl two weeks ago who took ecstasy pills not knowing they were three times the usual strength. Two friends of the girl had to be hospitalized, but survived.

"If you buy something in a supermarket you know it's passed inspection, is regulated and there are certain ingredients," stated Mr. Sparkes, who works with Western Health. "With these things there's lack of control of what the contents are."

His message for worried parents is that the best way to protect their children is by talking to them.

"The world is changing so much. Research shows teenagers who feel they have a good relationship with their families are more likely to discuss things and work things out. When kids feel they can talk to mom and dad about anything, then that's a big thing."