Pubdate: Wed, 07 Apr 1999 Source: Naples Daily News (FL) Copyright: 1999 Naples Daily News. Contact: http://www.naplesnews.com/ Author: Associated Press TASK FORCE MAKES 211 SPRING BREAK DRUG ARRESTS PANAMA CITY BEACH - A 25-agency task force created to crack down on spring break drug abuse has made 211 arrests during Operation Beach Comber II. The 16-day sweep by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies culminated Sunday with the raid of a rave party at the Pink Palace. There were six felony arrests, including that of the club's owner, and several misdemeanor arrests. "We feel like we were successful in sending a message back to the halls and dormitories of schools," said Bay County sheriff's Capt. Jerry Metz. "We want them to come back, but we want them to come back empty handed." Many spring break visitors, however, left empty handed after officers confiscated marijuana, cocaine and a variety of designer drugs. An estimated 500,000 college and high school students were expected in Panama City Beach during the six-week period that draws to a close this weekend, making this Florida Panhandle city one of the nation's most popular spring break destinations. The 211 arrests included 194 felony and 200 misdemeanor charges. Marijuana remained most popular followed by designer drugs such as Escstacy, LSD, Lactone, Gamma Gem and "scoop," Metz said. At least 24 undercover officers were at work between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. on Thursday, Fridays and weekends, considered "peak trip days," Metz said. Participating agencies included the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, U.S. Customs Service and federal Drug Enforcement Administration. The rave party arrests included charges for transporting a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Ecstasy with intent to distribute and marijuana possession. The business did not sell alcohol but designer drugs were readily available and undercover agents made several purchases prior to the raid, Metz said. "We put 15 undercover officers in there for an hour and a half," he said. "When we entered, we had patrons throwing drugs to the ground." Metz said officers picked up the drugs and arrested those who had thrown them down. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D