DRUG CHARGES STEM FROM WILD RAVE PARTY

It's time the city revisits its policy of hosting raves, said Coun.
Rob Howard, chair of the public safety committee.

"If we are one of only two municipalities in the whole Lower Mainland
that allows these, then we have to be concerned about becoming a
catch-all."

Howard was responding to a police report about a rave held Saturday at
Riverside Banquet Hall. The event, which drew 1,500 partygoers,
resulted in charges of trafficking and possession of ecstasy and
crystal meth.

"Officers were also kept busy around 7:30 a.m. investigating a
hit-and-run accident. As well, a 42-year-old participant was treated by
paramedics for an overdose after being found unconscious," said
Richmond RCMP Cpl. Peter Thiessen.

This was the first rave of the year. Last year there were five raves
in Richmond.

Although the event was planned through a promotional agency and adhered
to strict regulations imposed by the city, "it is difficult to
eliminate all drugs that continue to enter the event," said police.

Howard added, "even though they have their own security, the RCMP still
suffer the fallout of all the illegal activity that is associated with
these raves."

Council discussed banning raves a few years ago, Howard recalls. At
that time, noise was a primary concern.

Howard says the city needs to look at the financial costs of raves, and
their cost to public safety.