Police rolled into the Orléans Bowling Centre on March 11 to break up a dance party with underage drinking and drug use.
Police received notice that an “all-age rave party” was taking place at the Taylor Creek Drive business about a week before the party was to be held.
They found a Facebook event with over 5,600 people invited that referenced underage drinking and drug use.
Police partnered with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and OC Transpo security, with the AGCO doing a pre-inspection prior to the event and OC Transpo allowing undercover officers on buses travelling to the bowling centre.
Police also met with the bowling centre owners before the party to discuss their concerns for the 268-person venue.
Police turned away about 150 people from entering the event because they had contraband or were impaired.
A media release said that “dozens of parents were called by Ottawa Police to come and collect their children.”
Police believe 200 to 300 people didn’t show up after hearing police would be attending.
Three youth were charged with 22 counts under the Criminal Code, and 17 others face liquor and trespass charges.
Police seized four grams of heroin, MDMA (pure ecstasy in pill form), 15 grams of marijuana, bottles of gin, rum and vodka and cans of beer.
Another 20 youth were issued warnings.