Despite his promises, Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
"Ma says he's determined to eliminate ecstasy from the city," Wang Shih-chien (王世堅), 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" (
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 (
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.
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