MAJOR SHIPMENT OF 'SPECIAL K' DRUG IS SEIZED

From a fictitious recipient's name on a parcel sent to Franklin,
members of a regional drug task force turned suspicions into a major
seizure Friday night. When a man claimed the parcel, they arrested him
and grabbed $500,000 of a drug tied to the rave scene and date rapes.

Authorities stumbled upon what is believed to be one of the largest
seizures in state history of the dance club drug nicknamed ''Special
K.''

Plymouth resident David Greenwood, 23, was arrested after he allegedly
claimed the package at the Franklin Post Office Friday night,
prosecutors said. The parcel contained Ketamine, a substance known as
the ''date rape'' drug for its link to rape allegations that victims
reported after being heavily sedated, authorities said.

Norfolk District Attorney William R. Keating said he believed the 500
10-milliliter vials in the parcel were ''among the largest seizures of
this drug in Massachusetts.'' Each vial yields a gram of powdered
Ketamine, or about 50 doses. A single dose can sell for $20, according
to Keating's office.

The drug, an animal anesthetic, has been making news across the
country. Police nationwide have noted a marked increase in both
emergency room visits due to overdoses and break-ins at veterinarian
offices because of the popularity of the drug.

In Waverly, R.I., last month, three people ages 18 to 22 were arrested
for allegedly stealing the drug from a veterinary clinic.

Greenwood, who was scheduled to be arraigned in Wrentham District
Court this morning, is charged with possession with intent to
distribute a class A substance.

The charge carries a potential 10-year prison term.

Keating said yesterday that his office is also conducting an ongoing
investigation involving the sale of Special K and other designer, or
club, drugs over the Internet.