OTTAWA – September 14, 2009 -
The
) today launched Project E-Aware which is designed to increase awareness of the harmful effects of ecstasy among Canadians. E-Aware is providing factual information on a new website designed to help parents inform themselves of the dangers of the popular street drug. Erin Spanevello's story forms the foundation of the information. Erin was healthy and happy young adult until she died from cardiac and respiratory failure induced by a lethal dose of illegal recreational drugs at the age of 21.
"Despite what many believe, ecstasy is far from being a safe or recreational drug. This illicit drug is made with a number of toxic chemicals, and can be lethal. There is no quality control, no dosage control and there is no safe amount to take" said Insp. Dan Quirion, Officer in Charge of the DOCAS program. "By telling Erin's story through Project E-Aware we hope to encourage parents to learn about the dangers of ecstasy so that they will feel comfortable speaking with their children about the drug."
"We knew nothing about ecstasy and now Erin is dead. Talk to your kids about drugs, their lives could depend on it" emphasized Catherine Spanevello, Erin's mom. "As our children deal with the pressures of returning to school and many move away from home for the first time it is important that parents inform themselves of the dangers of ecstasy before it's too late."
Ecstasy, commonly known on the streets as "E", is a bright and colorful synthetic chemical drug normally ingested orally in pill form. Common effects of ecstasy include a perceived increase in stimulation, euphoria and pleasant emotions. Ecstasy is produced in Canada by organized crime groups, and with a street value as low as $5.00 per tablet is easily affordable to youth.
The Drugs & Organized Crime Awareness Service is coordinated by specially trained RCMP personnel who are located across Canada. DOCAS works with a wide range of partners to provide pro-active initiatives in communities across the country. DOCAS programs include Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), Drug Endangered Children, Aboriginal Shield Program, Drugs & Sport and Kids & Drugs.
For more information:
RCMP Media Relations
613-993-2999
