At a recent execution of a search warrant in Bolton, Caledon OPP Street Crime Unit officers seized a number of drugs. Among them was a drug which is sold legally by prescription in Ontario called Oxycontin.

Oxycontin is also sold illegally on the street by drug dealers. This drug is being bought, sold and used in Caledon and police believe residents should know about it.

The street names for Oxycontin are: "O.C.", "Oxy" and "Oxycotton."

Oxycontin will make you sick if not taken according to the explicit instructions from your doctor. The drug has many side effects, such as constipation, sexual difficulties, swelling, nausea, sweating, itching and sleeplessness.

A major concern regarding the illicit use of Oxycontin is that it is relatively easy to overdose because of the way it is ingested. The risks of accidental overdose increase when oxycontin is mixed with alcohol, other opioids (morphine, codeine, heroin, and methadone) and/or tranquilizers. An overdose of Oxycontin can lead to brain damage and even death.

Here is what to look for if you suspect someone you know has overdosed: • Slow breathing (less than 10 breaths a minute is really serious trouble). • Small, pinpoint pupils. • Confusion. • Being tired, nodding off, or passing out. • Dizziness. • Weakness. • Apathy (they don't care about anything). • Cold and clammy skin. • Nausea. • Vomiting. • Seizures.

If you see these symptoms in a child or a friend and don't know where they've been, take action immediately. Call 9-1-1 if in doubt.

Police said Oxycontin tablets contain 10, 20, 40 or 80 mgs of oxycodone each. This is up to 16 times the amount of oxycodone in a percocet tablet.

Oxycontin can be ingested in a number of ways that in themselves can be dangerous. It is a time release drug that remains effective in the body for up to 12 hours when taken as prescribed. Users have been known to crush the tablets and snort the powder, or to simply chew the tablets. The tablets can be crushed, mixed with water and injected. Each of these methods defeats the time release aspect of the tablet and the entire dosage of the drug is absorbed immediately into the body. The end result is a "rush" or "buzz" to the user. People who inject the drug also risk the chance of infections and complications associated with intravenous drug use.

Anyone who involves themselves in the purchase or sale of Oxycontin on the street is immediately involved in a criminal offence. Not only are they either trafficking or in possession of a controlled substance, they are contributing to the offences committed by those who wish to use or sell the drug.

Oxycontin is obtained for sale by illegal methods. Users and dealers will go to many lengths to get it. They steal it from family or friends who are sick, they break into drug stores to steal it, and they write illegal prescriptions to try to get pharmacists to sell it to them.

Anyway you look at it buying, police warn that selling or using Oxycontin as a recreational drug is bad news.

There are many valuable resources one can consult when looking for information about Oxycontin including pharmacies, doctors offices, crisis centers and online. Be informed, be aware, and be safe.