PARTY DRUGS LEAD POLICE TO TARGET NIGHTSPOTS

There have been 23 raids so far this year, compared to 13 for whole of last
year, as drugs like ketamine gain popularity

AS PARTY drugs outsell heroin, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is
shifting its attention from street busts to nightclub raids.

It has also increased the number of raids on nightspots dramatically, in an
effort to stop the spread of drug abuse, particularly the penchant for
ketamine.

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In the first six months of this year, it carried out 23 raids.

There were just 13 during the whole of last year.

A total of 441 suspected drug takers were held, a 25 per cent jump from the
353 nabbed last year.

Four nightspots were raided repeatedly and two - Sense Pub in Marina Way
and My Friend's Pub in East Coast Road - have since been closed.

A third, in Belilios Lane in Serangoon, is being investigated and, like
other places which are repeatedly visited by officers, faces having its
licence revoked.

The fourth, Club 101 in Goldhill Plaza, was raided three times within six
weeks in May and June this year and a total of 54 people were arrested.

They included 10 employees, four of whom were mamasans and one who was a
hostess.

Ten of those picked up tested positive for drugs.

Last year, 43 per cent of first-time offenders picked up who tested
positive for drugs had taken ketamine and 10 per cent, heroin.

Ketamine costs up to $40 a gram compared to heroin, which has climbed to
$200 a gram as it is in short supply due to stiff enforcement action.

While the party drug costs more than Ecstasy, which is sold at $25 a pill,
it is a more attractive option for abusers as it is less potent and its
effects last about an hour. Ecstasy can last all night and cause dehydration.

However, pointed out the CNB spokesman, these drug takers do not realise it
causes memory loss, hallucinations and nausea, as well as hearing and
visual impairment.

Many of those taking it are in their 20s and female.

CNB deputy director S. Vijakumar warned yesterday: 'With synthetic drugs
replacing heroin as the most favoured drug for local addicts, the main
focus of anti-drug operations will be on venues that are frequented by
young people.'

However, he added, the stepped-up checks will go hand in hand with
increased efforts to educate people about why they should not take drugs,
carried out through the Clubs Against Drugs movement, spearheaded by the
National Council Against Drug Abuse.

'CNB will enlist club operators to promote the anti-drug message to
patrons,' he said.