Pubdate: Fri, 09 Feb 2001
Source: Illawarra Mercury (Australia)
Copyright: 2001 Illawarra Newspapers
Contact:  282 Keira St, Wollongong NSW 2500
Fax: (02) 4226 3616
Website: http://www.illawarramercury.com/
Author: Cydonee Mardon

POLICE BLITZ ON APPIN DANCE-PARTY DRUGS

Police will be out in force at an Appin dance party this weekend, 
determined to prevent a repeat of last year's drug abuse which claimed the 
life of a young man.

Thousands of people from across Australia will converge on Cataract Scout 
Park from today for their fix of electronic music, films and amusements at 
Happy Valley 2001.

Police have been working closely with organisers to prevent any repeat of 
last year's tragedy, when a 26-year-old Sydney man lapsed into a coma and 
died after taking a cocktail of drugs and alcohol.

"We have plans in place that we are confident will eliminate illicit drug 
use," Campbelltown Police Superintendent Ben Feszczuk said.

"We will have general duties police and canines at the event doing regular 
patrols as well as private security officers. People who enter the grounds 
will have to submit to having themselves and their vehicles searched."

Mr Feszczuk said alcohol could not be brought into the grounds and staff at 
the licensed bars would be strict on checking for identification.

Ambulance officers, St John's Ambulance personnel and NSW Rural Fire 
Service volunteers would also be on stand-by.

"We, as much as everyone, want the event to be successful without any 
problems," Mr Feszczuk said.

The festival, which attracted 6000 people of all ages last year, will 
feature dozens of artists including Cexta, B(if)tek, Infusion, Fattdex and 
Mik La Vage. There will also be an outdoor cinema, amusement rides and a 
skate ramp.
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