Pubdate: Mon, 01 May 2000
Source: Star (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2000 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Contact:  13 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Website: http://www.thestar.com.my
Author: Simon Khoo and Catherine Chong

POLICE DETAIN 161 IN RAID ON ILLEGAL PUB

KUALA LUMPUR - Some 161 "party-goers" were rounded up by police in an
early morning swoop at an illegal pub and discotheque in Pandan Indah
industrial park here Sunday.

Of those detained, 102 were men and the rest were women aged between
18 and 35.

Police also recovered from the premises 13 pills believed to be
Ecstasy and 50 sticks of cigarettes believed to be laced with ganja.

Most of the patrons were still in head-swinging frenzy when police
stormed the premises.

It is learnt that the place only opened from 5am to
noon.

Selangor anti-narcotics chief Supt Abdul Malik Hashim said an underage
girl and four Thai women were among those held in the 7am raid.

He said the patrons and the 21-year-old caretaker of the premises were
taken to the Ampang police station for urine tests.

"Initial results showed more than 30% of the patrons tested positive
for amphetamine-type stimulants.

"The urine samples will be sent to the KL Hospital to confirm the
results," he said, adding about 90% of the women patrons were tested
positive.

He said the pub had been operating without a licence for at least two
months.

"We are locating the operator to assist us in investigations," he
said.

The operation was led by Supt Abdul Malik and anti-vice, gambling and
secret society head Chief Insp Jani Ahmad from the Selangor police
contingent headquarters.

In Penang, police rounded up 218 suspected drug users from two
entertainment outlets on the island yesterday.

The eight-hour operation started at midnight on Saturday.

A police team from George Town anti-narcotics department raided a pub
in Anson Road and picked up 120 people, including 20 guest relation
officers and women patrons.

Two of the women were found hiding in gaps between the sofas and side
tables that were lined up against the wall.

Another police team from the state anti-narcotics department, led by
Chief Insp Chang Kut Choy went to a pub in Gottlieb Road and rounded
up 98 people.

The 218 underwent urine tests and 13 who tested positive were
detained.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Derek Rea