Ecstasy seized in Banff tested, Calgary man arrested

Ecstasy tablets seized by Banff RCMP have been sent for testing after a Calgary man already on bail for trafficking was arrested in the mountain resort.

The 21-year-old man was caught with cocaine, ecstasy and cash after being questioned by police Friday after an assault in a nightclub.

The man was yelling loudly and swearing, and was originally arrested for causing a disturbance, said Banff RCMP Cpl. Chris Kosack.

Brett Lively, 21, is charged with two counts of trafficking and failing to comply with conditions.

Although there have been no recent reports of ecstasy-related drug overdoses in Banff, police say the pills are being tested to learn if they are from the same deadly batch tied to ecstasy laced with a dangerous chemical.

Seven people in Calgary, and one person in Red Deer, have died from taking ecstasy (MDMA) laced with para-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA).

Two additional cases are still awaiting toxicology results.

There have been five deaths reported in B.C.

The chemical, a cheaper alternative than MDMA, is being cut into ecstasy, but is believed to be more dangerous.

Police say it will take weeks to learn if the pills found in the Banff bust are connected.

Lively was out on bail with conditions after being charged with trafficking marijuana in Calgary last March.

Lively has been released with conditions. He is scheduled to back in Canmore provincial court Thursday.