Man dies from drinking binge

UNGARAN, Central Java: While Muslims packed mosques across the country on Wednesday to conduct the evening prayer on the eve of the Ramadhan fasting month, one man died and four others were rushed to Ambarawa General Hospital after an alcohol and drugs binge in Kebondowo village here.

Local police chief Lt. Col. A. Sitanggang said on Thursday the survivors were in critical condition.

"They drank their own cocktail made of spirits which was mixed with a certain chemical substance and drugs," Sitanggang said.

He said drug addiction and alcoholism were rampant in the regency. (har/edt)