The Levamicoke campaign was initiated in late 2009 by members of Toronto’s Research Group on Drug Use. Our goal is to raise awareness about recent reports of Levamisole-laced cocaine and crack. The reason that we’re doing this is that Levamisole is turning up everywhere. It’s in the majority of cocaine and crack on the global market. It has serious health effects that are surfacing everywhere that cocaine and crack are being used. It may not be reported because it’s not a reportable illness, but this quietness is not a conspiracy, it’s just a fact of life.
1. Levamicoke.infoAnything but the real thing… Chantel Marshall Toronto Public Health The Works Lisa Campbell Salazar TRIP! Project, Central Toronto Community Health Centres Walter Cavalieri Canadian Harm Reduction Network
10. British Columbia, Canada Residence of cases of agranulocytosis associated with cocaine Jan 2008-September 2010 (n=40)
11. Goals of Campaign Create an integrated media health campaign to educate people who use drugs, the general public, public health and the medical community about the prevalence risks of Levamisole-laced cocaine, including crack Empower drug users to be aware of adulterants and advocate for appropriate health services Create viral buzz around Levamisole to instigate community-based response both locally and globally
12. Target Groups Party drug users Gay men in clubs and baths People using crack Medical Community
13. Different Strokes for Different Folks Party drug users Gay men in clubs and baths People using crack Medical Community
18. Campaign Buzz Officially launched November 7th 2010 Email blast sent to 32,000 people including queer, drug user, harm reduction listserves Website hits increased by almost 3,000% in a week’s time Media requests from CBC, CTV, Toronto Star and outlets in the Maritimes Campaign forwarded internationally by groups in New Zealand, Australia, Hungary, Zambia, France, Germany, etc.