MardiGrass arrests top 100
The NSW Police Force arrested more than 100 people – predominantly for drug offences – and seized more than 15kg of drugs over the three-day MardiGrass festival in the northern NSW town of Nimbin, Richmond Area Local Command said.
Operation Maloo, comprising police from Richmond LAC, dog squad, mounted police, OSG (Operational Support Group) and the new roadside drug testing unit, was active between 6am Friday May 4 and 6am Monday May 7, 2007.
During that time, police arrested 109 people, of which 50 were charged with a number of offences and 62 dealt with by way of cannabis caution.
The majority of the 50 charges were for possess and supply prohibited drug but also included one assault charge, robbery, stealing, offensive language, offensive conduct, drink driving, unlicensed driver, suspended/cancelled driver, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt. Juveniles and adults were warned for drinking in an alcohol-free zone and a licensed premises was monitored for breaching licensing laws.
During the police roadside operation in the outskirts of town and foot patrol in Nimbin, more than 15kg of drugs were seized. This included 4.2kg of cannabis leaf, resin and food product such as cookies and muffins, and pills including 48 ecstasy tablets in one haul alone as well as LSD tabs.
On Sunday morning, police stopped a car outside Nimbin at the police checkpoint and during the search allegedly found almost 12kg of cannabis cake. A woman was charged with supply prohibited drugs and will appear in court.
The 62 people issued with cannabis cautions were dealt with under the relevant Act as the arresting police found they were eligible to be treated with a caution rather than a charge. To be eligible, they must be first-time offenders for drug-related matters. The caution, however, is still recorded in the NSW Police Force COPs system.
Over the weekend police conveyed a male to hospital after his condition required treatment to alleged consumption of the drug Ice. He was sedated, treated and rehydrated.
Two police were injured, one requiring possible surgery for his injuries.
Superintendent Bruce Lyons, Commander of Richmond LAC, was pleased with the police results and said those who attended the festival were generally well-behaved.
