Police make 15 arrests on day one of MardiGrass
Police from Operation Marloo arrested 15 people on the first day of the annual MardiGrass festival in the northern NSW town of Nimbin.
Police from the Northern Region — ranging from general duties, OSG (Operational Support Group), highway patrol, mounted police and drug dogs — will patrol the Nimbin township and its outskirts over the three-day festival.
As well, the new NSW Police Force roadside drug testing bus will be used in conjunction with RBT vehicles.
Already on day one, 15 people were arrested in Nimbin and surrounding areas with 10 charges being laid and six cannabis cautions issued. The charges ranged from possess prohibited drugs, warrants and unlicensed driver.
Police seized more than 400g of cannabis, a small quantity of amphetamines, 159 cannabis cookies and a small amount of MDMA tablets.
Police said the MardiGrass festival was in its 34th year and the main purpose was to campaign for the legalisation of cannabis, as well as being a community event which draws more 10,000 tourists per day to the small town.
“Due to an increase in violence and drugs such as amphetamines and methamphetamines in recent years, police last year increased their presence. In 2006, 93 people were arrested for drugs, including the possession of cannabis and ecstasy, five people charged with drink driving, one drive manner dangerous as well as numerous traffic infringements,” police said.
“There were also incidents of anti-social behaviour which resulted in charges of assault police, resist arrest, offensive conduct, malicious damage and possess a knife in a public place. As well, there was a drug overdose death in the river and a woman went missing for five days.”
Commander of Richmond Local Area Command, Superintendent Bruce Lyons, said the police presence this year was based on previous events and a police commitment to ensuring the safety of the community.
“We’re here to support the Nimbin community hold this annual event by making it safe for everyone,” Superintendent Lyons said.
“But if people make a choice to deal and carry drugs or muck up in any other way that is against the law, they can be guaranteed we will act.
“We have made it clear to those attending of our presence and what type of behaviour won’t be accepted.”
