RAVE KEEPS POLICE BUSY

Some 1,500 people attended the city's first rave of the year last
weekend on River Road.

And thanks to a strong police and security presence, the all-night
party remained under control for the most part.

Richmond RCMP Cpl. Peter Thiessen said it is difficult to keep these
events entirely drug free, and noted there were charges of trafficking
and possession of a controlled substance. A 42-year-old party-goer was
treated for an overdose after being found unconscious.

The rave was held at the Riverside Banquet Hall on the 14500 block of
River Road on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

An average of 20 security guards and eight to 10 police officers
attend raves in Richmond, which is one of only two cities that permit
them.

Richmond has strict rules governing raves and organizers are required
to purchase a permit that must adhere to city guidelines before approval.