BAR OWNERS URGED TO FIGHT ECSTASY USE

TRENTON -- Owners of bars and nightclubs in New Jersey are being asked to
help cut the use of the designer drug Ecstasy.

In a letter sent to all those holding a liquor license, the director of the
Alcoholic Beverage Commission told owners to report any suspicious activity.

The letter also warns that undercover officers will be making visits.

"I am asking you to remain vigilant in your efforts to ensure that your
establishment remains free of illicit drug use," Jerry Fischer wrote.

Law enforcement officers claim the drug now popular among teenagers and
young adults at so-called rave parties can cause sudden illness, including
artificially high temperatures that can kill.

The drug known as Ecstasy is the synthetic compound 3-4
methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine, or MDMA. Other similar compounds found to
be dangerous have sometimes been sold under the same name, and other
nicknames include "X," "XTC," and "Adam."

"This is one more way we are addressing the rising prevalence of Ecstasy
use among our young people. The time to act is now," Governor Whitman said
in a statement.

In July, Whitman signed a law that increases criminal penalties associated
with the drug.