NSW: Possible bad batch of drugs linked to rave death

AAP General News (Australia)
02-20-2000
NSW: Possible bad batch of drugs linked to rave death

By Megan Howe and Janine O'Neill

SYDNEY, Feb 20 AAP - A bad batch of illicit drugs may be to blame for the death of
a young man and the overdoses of at least ten revellers at a rave party near Sydney over
the weekend.

Police were today questioning a group of young people after the 26-year-old man slipped
into a coma at the Happy Valley Full Moon festival at about 3.30am today.

He was one of 6,000 revellers at the three-day rave in the Cataract Scout Park near
Appin, south-west of Sydney.

Paramedics tried to resuscitate the man after he was found collapsed in a crowded campsite,
but he died before he could be taken to hospital.

They also treated about ten other people for drug overdoses, rushing one young woman
found unconscious at another campsite to Campbelltown Hospital.

Even as late as 12.35pm today - half an hour after the official end of the party -
yet another ambulance was called after a girl who had taken the drug ecstasy complained
of feeling ill.

An ambulance spokesman said although a post mortem was needed to determine the cause
of the young man's death it was suspected it may have been an overdose of ecstasy, a popular
drug at such parties.

Chief Inspector Phil Holder of Campbelltown Police warned a bad batch of drugs may
have been sold at the party.

"We are obviously concerned because people have branched out from the festival and
have gone home," he said.

"It is very important that if they get ill to seek medical assistance."

Inspector Holder also said although there had been police at the festival there was
not much they could have done.

"Unfortunately it seems to be a common occurrence these days that what comes with things
of that kind - dance parties, festivals - are drug-related issues," he said.

He said the festival promoters, whose identities have not yet been revealed, had the
appropriate permit and police had made them aware of the potential problems.

"I would suggest as the investigation moves on some reference to the promoter would be made."

The dead man's relatives were this afternoon being informed and his friends were being
questioned about the circumstances leading up to his collapse.

A post mortem examination will be undertaken tomorrow.

AAP jo/arb/de

KEYWORD: RAVE LEAD

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