Pubdate: Sat, 16 Dec 2000
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2000 The Sun-Times Co.
Contact:  401 N. Wabash, Chicago IL 60611
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Website: http://www.suntimes.com/
Author: Frank Main

1000 DOLLAR REWARD FOR ECSTASY INFO

A private anti-crime group announced a $1,000 reward Friday for information
leading to the conviction of drug dealers at teen clubs.

The Illinois State Crime Commission unveiled the statewide program, intended
to curb overdoses from Ecstasy and other designer drugs, at the Elmhurst
Police Department.

"This is one step of many that can reduce the use of drugs like Ecstasy,"
said Elmhurst Police Chief John Millner, president-elect of the Illinois
Police Chiefs Association.

Last month, DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Birkett ordered a teen
club in Naperville called Zero Gravity to eliminate drug use there or face a
shutdown under state nuisance laws. A sting there last year netted dozens of
arrests for possession of cocaine, Ecstasy and marijuana.

Several teens have died of overdoses this year in the Chicago area. A
stimulant nearly identical to Ecstasy called PMA, or paramethoxyamphetamine,
is a major concern because of its potency.

Jerry Elsner, director of the commission, said police are concerned about at
least four clubs in the Chicago area, though he would not identify them.

The rewards will provide an incentive for clubs to "clean up their acts,"
Elsner said. Commission members, including Sears, Arthur Andersen & Co.,
Waste Management and J.B. Pritzker, will bankroll the rewards, he said.

"It's worth it if it saves the life of one child," Elsner said.

State Sen. Patrick O'Malley (R-Palos Park) said he is sponsoring legislation
that would hold adults liable if they provide teens with alcohol or drugs
resulting in a death or injury.
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