Pubdate: Sun, 29 Oct 2000
Source: Star, The (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2000 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Contact:  13 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Website: http://www.thestar.com.my
Author: Lim Chye Kim, Editor, East Asia Bureau, based in Hong Kong

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR DRUG-FREE RAVE PARTIES

LIKE in Malaysia, the authorities in Hong Kong are getting worried 
over a trend by partygoers and young people to experiment with 
mind-bending substances and so-called designer drugs.

Amid reports of some notable figures caught popping various types of 
psychotropic pills at rave parties and other occasions, 
anti-narcotics authorities have decided to get the community involved 
in the fight against drug abuse and go where the action is.

Among the highlighted cases is the trial of the 33-year-old son of a 
tycoon said to have possessed cocaine, Viagra and other drugs at a 
rave party. Hearing has been adjourned to January next year.

In the headlines too was a 19-year-old apprentice jockey who admitted 
to taking Ecstasy on three occasions a fortnight ago. He has been 
banned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club from the races for six months.

And earlier this week, a 15-year-old student was nabbed at his school 
sports day for allegedly having a gramme of the rave drug Ketamine.

To tackle the problem, the authorities have planned several 
preventive education and publicity programmes. In addition, they have 
met rave party organisers to discuss various measures, including a 
code of practice for the holding of parties.

Under the education programmes, focus will be given to the harmful 
effects of mind-bending substances or party drugs.

"This is aimed at dispelling the common misconceptions that 
psychotropic substances are not addictive and less harmful than 
heroin, cocaine and other hard drugs,'' said Commissioner for 
Narcotics Clarie Lo Ku Ka-lee.

"Recent research findings by the US National Institute of Drug Abuse 
has revealed that Ecstasy can cause permanent brain damage and even 
death,'' she said.

This message--targeted especially at the younger audience--will soon 
be aired over radio and television.

In addition, publicity materials like posters, leaflets, art cards, 
wall charts and treatment and rehabilitation services directory will 
be produced.

Also planned are drug education in schools, and seminars and training 
workshops for teachers, parents and social workers at the Drug 
InfoCentre, as well as induction programmes for a recently expanded 
volunteer group.

"Priority in funding will be given to the proposed community 
involvement projects on psychotropic substance abuse,'' Lo said.

Warnings on the dangers of drug abuse will be also be posted in rave 
party clubs and other premises.

To get the direct involvement of rave party organisers, the Narcotics 
Division of the Security Bureau organised a seminar in August, where 
about 90 of them attended. The seminar resulted in a proposal to have 
a Code of Practice for dance party organisers.

For this purpose, a multi-disciplined government team was set up, 
which included representatives from the Narcotics Division, Home 
Affairs Bureau, Police, Environmental Protection Department, Food and 
Environmental Hygiene Department, Buildings Department and Fire 
Services Department.

And after getting positive feedback from party organisers, the draft 
code was endorsed this week (Oct 24) by the Task Force on 
Psychotropic Substance Abuse under the Action Committee Against 
Narcotics.

"The code is aimed at encouraging responsible management and lawful 
conduct at organised rave-type dance parties,'' Lo said.

Apart from drug warnings, the code provides guidelines for organising 
safe raves, including licensing requirements, security, building 
safety, fire safety and environmental considerations.

The code also covers harm reduction measures like first aid.

Party organisers are asked to address a number of issues before the 
events take place. Among these are problems associated with alcohol, 
heat stroke, dehydration, paranoia and disorientation and or anxiety 
which are often associated with the use of dangerous drugs such as 
LSD, Ecstasy (also known as E) or speed (amphetamines).

Party organisers are further advised to equip their venues with 
adequate ventilation, air-conditioning systems and clearly marked 
first-aid stations with full basic facilities, as well as 
fully-trained personnel and designated chill-out and smoke-free areas.

The code includes telephone numbers of relevant government 
departments and non-government organisations.

"The finalised Code of Practice is being sent to dance party 
organisers and promoters,'' Lo said.
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