The law was passed in 1986 to combat crack cocaine and punish owners or operators of houses used for the making and dealing of drugs. The decision signals a change in the war against drugs as the federal government changes the focus from those who were dealing or doing club drugs to those who organize parties where they are popular. Although many raves are thrown in and near large cities, raving and club drugs are not unfamiliar to some Penn State students. Local ravers said there are an average of two to three raves a semester. The owners could not be reached for comment.
Some students approve of the government's handling of the case.
Maule does not know how effective targeting just raves will be. Club drugs such as Ecstasy and GHB are used and readily available in other places like bars, clubs and fraternities, she said. Some students think the efforts of drug enforcers to shut down the rave scene are misguided. For every major rock concert there is the same thing going on. Oppel also stressed that some raves are valid ventures.