cannabisnews.com: Rave Raids Net 1,219 Arrests 





Rave Raids Net 1,219 Arrests 
Posted by FoM on October 07, 1999 at 16:09:19 PT
By Bill Kaczor, Associated Press
Source: Boston Globe
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.Statewide raids on all-night dance parties known as raves resulted in 1,219 arrests and the seizure of nearly $9.4 million in drugs, cash, weapons and vehicles. 
The raids, dubbed ''Operation Heat Rave,'' were in response to six rave-related drug deaths around the state, including two this summer, state drug czar Jim McDonough said Thursday. ''Had this been a roller coaster ride and we had six dead ... there would have been a major outcry to close down the theme park until we could do something about that roller coaster ride,'' McDonough said. ''When you do drugs of every sort it is a roller coaster ride, a very deadly one.'' McDonough said he hoped the raids would alert parents and young people to the dangers of drug use associated with raves. Although 95 percent of those arrested were adults, most were in their late teens and early 20s, he said. Most of the arrests were for drug possession, sales and trafficking. State and local law officers moved against 57 businesses in 21 counties from Sept. 29 through Oct. 4. Officers seized 15 kilograms of cocaine, more than 500 pounds of marijuana and smaller quantities of heroin and methamphetamines. They also seized designer drugs like Ketamine, Ecstasy, GHB and Rohypnol. The last two are so-called ''date-rape'' drugs. Some of the raids drew protests of harassment, overkill and scare tactics. In Panama City, customers at a club that caters to homosexuals said rubber-gloved deputies made them file outside to have their pictures taken. Bay County sheriff's Capt. Jerry Girvin said the photos will be used to identify people who may have sold drugs to undercover agents. By Bill Kaczor Associated Press 10/07/99 17:41 Governor Unveils $540 Million Drug Plan - 9/11/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread2851.shtml
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