Five drink to the death in contest

KENDAL, Central Java (JP): A bizarre drinking "contest" claimed the lives of five people and hospitalized another three at a forget-your-financial-woes party yesterday, police said.

The five who died before being able to bask in praise for their drinking prowess were identified as jobless men and pedicab drivers aged between 30 and 42.

Kendal police chief Lt. Col. Saiful Bahri said the "contestants" mixed alcohol with mosquito repellent and Napacin, an over-the-counter drug used to treat respiratory problems.

"We can't help wondering how these guys could do such a stupid thing that any fool understands endangers life," Bahri said.

He theorized that the men organized the contest to relieve the pressure resulting from the economic crisis.

Kendal authorities are known for their strict control of alcohol. Over the last month, the local police have seized 3,000 bottles of alcoholic drinks, Saiful said. (har/pan)