TASK FORCE MAKES 211 SPRING BREAK DRUG ARRESTS

PANAMA CITY BEACH - A 25-agency task force created to crack down on spring
break drug abuse has made 211 arrests during Operation Beach Comber II.

The 16-day sweep by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies
culminated Sunday with the raid of a rave party at the Pink Palace. There
were six felony arrests, including that of the club's owner, and several
misdemeanor arrests.

"We feel like we were successful in sending a message back to the halls and
dormitories of schools," said Bay County sheriff's Capt. Jerry Metz. "We
want them to come back, but we want them to come back empty handed."

Many spring break visitors, however, left empty handed after officers
confiscated marijuana, cocaine and a variety of designer drugs.

An estimated 500,000 college and high school students were expected in
Panama City Beach during the six-week period that draws to a close this
weekend, making this Florida Panhandle city one of the nation's most popular
spring break destinations.

The 211 arrests included 194 felony and 200 misdemeanor charges. Marijuana
remained most popular followed by designer drugs such as Escstacy, LSD,
Lactone, Gamma Gem and "scoop," Metz said.

At least 24 undercover officers were at work between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. on
Thursday, Fridays and weekends, considered "peak trip days," Metz said.

Participating agencies included the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,
Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, U.S. Customs Service
and federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

The rave party arrests included charges for transporting a controlled
substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Ecstasy with
intent to distribute and marijuana possession.

The business did not sell alcohol but designer drugs were readily available
and undercover agents made several purchases prior to the raid, Metz said.

"We put 15 undercover officers in there for an hour and a half," he said.
"When we entered, we had patrons throwing drugs to the ground."

Metz said officers picked up the drugs and arrested those who had thrown
them down.