SEMINAR HELD ON THE DANGERS OF INCREASE IN CLUB DRUGS

Knowing the dangers of predatory drugs and being aware of beverage safety
are crucial for handling the newest trends in club drug abuse, said Isabel
Burk of the New York City-based Health Network on Friday.

Burk delivered a two-hour seminar on club drugs such as Ecstasy and other
trends as part of the Salt Lake Area Gang Project conference at the Salt
Palace Convention Center.

"I believe that the best thing we can do for the public is let them know how
to be safe," said Burk.

Predatory drugs, known formerly as date-rape drugs, gained their new
designation last month from the National Institute on Drug Abuse because of
the evolution of their uses, said Burk. Studies have shown that drugs such
as GHB and rohypnol, which can render the victim unconscious and block
memory, are being used for a variety of new predatory type methods. Often,
attackers also will slip the drug to a friend or the date of the desired
target, to get them out of the way, according to Burk.

She also said date-rape cases are hard to prosecute, because the victim
cannot remember the attack.

"That's why predatory drugs are so good for the bad guy," Burk said.

The latest weapon against predatory drugs is a coaster developed by Drink
Safe Technologies, which has test strips that they claim can be effective in
detecting the presence of the colorless, odorless and tasteless drugs. The
coasters include a drink-safe message and two test areas at each bottom
corner. Instructions on how to use the coaster as well as detailed
information about what they detect are printed on the back.

Burk applauds the concept of the coaster but is quick to point out that it
is still in development. The coaster carries a beta designation in fine
print in the lower right hand corner.

"Would you bet your life on something that's a beta test?" said Burk. "The
problem with predatory drugs is that by the time you start to feel funny,
it's too late."

Burk offered the following tips on beverage safety:

* Watch the drink being made * Keep an eye on your drink * Do not drink from
punch bowls * If you leave your drink, get another one * Do not accept
drinks from strangers * Open your own bottle or can More information about
the coaster and other drink testing devices can be found at
http://www.drinksafecoaster.com.