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.