Pubdate: Tue, 09 Apr 2002
Source: Taipei Times, The (Taiwan)
Copyright: 2002 The Taipei Times
Contact:  http://www.taipeitimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1553
Author: Sandy Huang
Note: Some characters representing Taiwanese spelling of proper names have
been removed because of incorrect translation into English characters.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)

COUNCILOR SHAKING HIS HEAD OVER MA'S ECSTASY CRACKDOWN

Drug Madness: According To Wang Shih-chien, It's Not Difficult To Score The 
'Head-Shake Pill' In Taipei, And The Mayor Has Done Little To Combat The 
Problem

Despite his promises, Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou hasn't done enough to rid 
the city of ecstasy, a city councilor alleged yesterday.

"Ma says he's determined to eliminate ecstasy from the city," Wang 
Shih-chien, DPP city councilor, said yesterday. "But how much has he really 
accomplished."

Wang said that ecstasy has continued to grow in popularity among teenagers, 
despite Ma's pledge two years ago to "make ecstasy disappear from the city."

"It's been almost two years now since he made the promise," Wang said. "But 
the ecstasy problem has not lessened; it seems to be gaining momentum and 
becoming more popular and accessible among teens."

Ecstasy, known in Taiwan as the "head-shake pill", is a favorite party drug 
among some teens and young adults. Users say ecstasy gives them a feeling 
of euphoria.

According to Wang, the top 10 clubs in Taipei where ecstasy is sold or used 
were Focus Disco Club, 911 Disco Theque, 2nd Floor, DJ, Touch, Twins, Jass 
and Blues, V.J. Pub, 151 Pub and Mirror Mirror.

To support his claims, Wang at his press conference yesterday played video 
clips that had been shot with hidden cameras.

The footage showed young people resting with their heads on tables, 
allegedly after taking ecstasy. Other footage shot in bathrooms purportedly 
showed drug transactions of pills "that bore a strong resemblance to ecstasy."

Wang said Taipei police weren't doing enough to go after clubs were ecstasy 
is used.

"Several of the listed pubs are located no more than 100m from police 
stations," Wang said. "How can the police not be aware of the dealing 
that's taking place."

The city councilor also said that the city government has reportedly 
ordered Jass and Blues to close, but the club continues to operate.

In addition, Wang said that many clubs are not properly registered.

"For example, 911 Disco Theque is registered as a real estate company and 
its location is zoned for use as office space," Wang said. "Touch, Twins 
and DJ are supposed to be operating as restaurants as their registered 
business licenses state."

Pang Hung-hua, a superintendent of the Taipei Municipal Police Department, 
said officers would step up measures to tackle the drug problem.

Pang said police forces were limited in number. "But we will continue to 
strengthen our forces to clamp down on this problem."

In addition, Pang said Jass and Blues has been allowed to remain open 
because it is appealing the city's closure order. "That has allowed it to 
continue operating until the case is resolved."

Wang urged the city government to conduct an all-out effort to combat 
ecstasy and its sources and strengthen anti-drug campaigns among teens and 
parents.
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