COUNCILOR SHAKING HIS HEAD OVER MA'S ECSTASY CRACKDOWN

Drug Madness: According To Wang Shih-chien, It's Not Difficult To Score The
'Head-Shake Pill' In Taipei, And The Mayor Has Done Little To Combat The
Problem

Despite his promises, Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou hasn't done enough to rid
the city of ecstasy, a city councilor alleged yesterday.

"Ma says he's determined to eliminate ecstasy from the city," Wang
Shih-chien, DPP city councilor, said yesterday. "But how much has he really
accomplished."

Wang said that ecstasy has continued to grow in popularity among teenagers,
despite Ma's pledge two years ago to "make ecstasy disappear from the city."

"It's been almost two years now since he made the promise," Wang said. "But
the ecstasy problem has not lessened; it seems to be gaining momentum and
becoming more popular and accessible among teens."

Ecstasy, known in Taiwan as the "head-shake pill", is a favorite party drug
among some teens and young adults. Users say ecstasy gives them a feeling
of euphoria.

According to Wang, the top 10 clubs in Taipei where ecstasy is sold or used
were Focus Disco Club, 911 Disco Theque, 2nd Floor, DJ, Touch, Twins, Jass
and Blues, V.J. Pub, 151 Pub and Mirror Mirror.

To support his claims, Wang at his press conference yesterday played video
clips that had been shot with hidden cameras.

The footage showed young people resting with their heads on tables,
allegedly after taking ecstasy. Other footage shot in bathrooms purportedly
showed drug transactions of pills "that bore a strong resemblance to ecstasy."

Wang said Taipei police weren't doing enough to go after clubs were ecstasy
is used.

"Several of the listed pubs are located no more than 100m from police
stations," Wang said. "How can the police not be aware of the dealing
that's taking place."

The city councilor also said that the city government has reportedly
ordered Jass and Blues to close, but the club continues to operate.

In addition, Wang said that many clubs are not properly registered.

"For example, 911 Disco Theque is registered as a real estate company and
its location is zoned for use as office space," Wang said. "Touch, Twins
and DJ are supposed to be operating as restaurants as their registered
business licenses state."

Pang Hung-hua, a superintendent of the Taipei Municipal Police Department,
said officers would step up measures to tackle the drug problem.

Pang said police forces were limited in number. "But we will continue to
strengthen our forces to clamp down on this problem."

In addition, Pang said Jass and Blues has been allowed to remain open
because it is appealing the city's closure order. "That has allowed it to
continue operating until the case is resolved."

Wang urged the city government to conduct an all-out effort to combat
ecstasy and its sources and strengthen anti-drug campaigns among teens and
parents.