The nuisance charge is punishable by a sentence as long as five years and will be used more often, Beaird said. Cummings' lawyer, John Michael Quinn, said his client was not guilty. Cummings not only prohibited drugs and alcohol from his rave party but also employed security personnel to kick out people caught drinking or using drugs, Quinn said. Kansas City Police Capt. Jim Pruetting said officers would be looking for holiday Ecstasy parties.
Drug users cruise the Internet to find out where rave parties are held.
Users of the drug, which combines the effects of amphetamines and hallucinogens, are typically 16 to 24 years old, he said. Long-term damage includes memory loss, a slowed attention span and loss of word and math skills. Ecstasy can raise body temperature to 106 degrees for hours and can cause depression when it wears off. Pacifiers are sometimes worn on cords around partyers' necks. Ecstasy users chew on them because their jaws clench.