U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, AREA AUTHORITIES JOIN TO FIGHT `RAVE DRUG'

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves is encouraging local authorities to head off teen use
of the illegal drug Ecstasy before it becomes a problem of methamphetamine
proportions.

Last week the Republican from Tarkio, Mo., held a series of teleconference
phone calls with law enforcement and school officials from Clay, Platte and
Jackson counties.

Graves' goal is to determine the best way the federal government can work
with local officials to take on the growing drug problem. Graves said that
in the coming weeks he planned to introduce legislation to fight the spread
of Ecstasy.

Ecstasy, which comes in a pill form, is a mind-altering drug which users
say gives them energy and puts them in a good mood. However, the drug also
can increase body temperature, cause dehydration, constrict muscles and
possibly lead to anxiety problems, memory loss, a learning deficiency or
even death.

The problem with combating Ecstasy use, local officials say, is that it is
hard to detect. The drug most often is associated with use at "raves," or
all-night teen dance parties touted as being alcohol-free.

"Kids know more about this drug than we do," said Lon Waterman, assistant
director of pupil services for North Kansas City Schools. "They know to
drink water or orange juice as a catalyst. So education of parents is
critical."

Martin Jacobs, Liberty High School principal, said the drug is easy to hide
from authority figures.

"It could be disguised as a breath mint, Sweet Tart, Tootsie Roll or
lollipop," he said. "It looks normal, but the kid could just have ingested
Ecstasy."

Clay County Sheriff Paul Vescovo said another problem is that, at least in
the Northland, young people are using Ecstasy at house parties. And unless
there's a noise complaint, there's no way officials can break up the party
because typically no alcohol is involved.

"So we need to be educating officers about what to look for," Vescovo said.

Parents also need to know warning signs, said Liberty Police Chief Art
Chevalier. Just because there will be no alcohol at the party doesn't mean
it's a good idea for teens to attend.

"Parents don't ask enough questions," Chevalier said. "If alcohol won't be
there, they need to ask what else will be."

Also key is coming up with some sort of fear factor, said William Adamo,
Gladstone Public Safety Director.

Chevalier said the penalties for possessing Ecstasy were not realistic.

Thirty grams is required for a felony, but Chevalier said because the small
pills are potent, rarely would anyone have that amount of the drug.

Jim Dunn, Liberty schools spokesperson, said he wants kids to realize how
harmful the drug can be.

"My concern is that part of the message when we talk about drugs seems to
glorify it, because anything connected with dance clubs is what's hot," he
said. "But young people today are more aware of health-type issues, and I
think we could appeal to them on facts about the negative side of Ecstasy
to serve as a counterbalance to any fun it could offer at a rave."

Chevalier said he is glad to see both law enforcement and school officials
getting involved.

"If we all take a proactive role, we can shortstop it and prevent it from
taking over," he said. "We can make a difference if we mobilize."