DRUG ABUSE, FIGHTS DISRUPT 'RAVE' PARTY

SHELTON - Designer-drug use and fighting marred an all-night "rave"
party at the Pinecrest Country Club that drew up to 4,000 people and
resulted in hospitalizations and arrests.

Three partygoers were taken to Griffin Hospital early Sunday for
treatment of adverse reactions to drugs, said Detective Sgt. Joseph
Kudrak. Police believe they were likely under the influence of "E," or
Ecstasy, a synthetic drug.

Police said the victims' lives were not in danger, and at least one
had been released from the hospital by Monday. The remaining victims'
conditions were unavailable Monday, and police, emergency and hospital
personnel declined to release their names. No criminal charges are
pending against the trio.

"We're not sure exactly what drug they took at this time, but they had
some type of reaction," said Kudrak.

Raves typically attract people from several states, and partygoers
traditionally dance to alternative music. Designer drugs like Ecstasy
are commonly associated with them, Kudrak said.

Several fistfights erupted toward the end of the party at 745 River
Road, and police arrested two Brooklyn, N.Y., men.

Frank Castaldo, 23, and Tony Mavro, 18, were charged with breach of
peace. They were released on $500 bail and are scheduled to appear in
Superior Court in Derby June 28.

The party started at 9 p.m. Saturday and broke up around 7 a.m.
Sunday. Three police officers and about 25 security guards had been
hired as private duty cops. Police estimate there were up to 4,000
people at the event.

Kudrak said no alcohol was served at the party. Most of those who
attended ranged in age from 16 to 25.

"If alcohol had been served, the officers there would have reported
it," said Kudrak. "It can't be served by state law after 2 a.m.
anyway." Staff reached at Pinecrest on Monday declined to comment on
the weekend's incidents.

"Over the years, they have had problems, but they've taken steps to
help address security, both with additional security staff and having
officers on the scene," said Kudrak. "They don't have these events
very often, and it isn't considered a big trouble spot."

Register correspondent John Mongillo Jr. contributed to this
story.