Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
Three separate authorities have joined forces to target the self-proclaimed marijuana capital of Australia, the small northern NSW village of Nimbin, in a two-day operation against lawbreakers.
Up to 50 NSW police together with Immigration Department officials and RTA officers swooped on Nimbin last week in a highly unusual raid that resulted in 11 drug charges.
Police set up roadblocks at the three main entrances into town while two sniffer dogs were taken through the main shopping strip of Cullen St.
Simmering tensions between cannabis-smoking locals and police erupted during the two-day blitz, with local drug-legalisation groups describing it as a "military-style raid".
The Cannabis Coalition - a recently formed group seeking to field candidates for the upcoming state election - claimed Nimbin was "under attack" by police officers and their sniffer dogs.
"For a town of some 300 people, it's quite ridiculous to have them all up here," said Macciza Macpherson, a spokesman for the Cannabis Coalition. "There are usually just eight or nine police stationed in Nimbin."
Police confirmed they were in Nimbin on Friday and yesterday targeting illegal drugs as part of a joint operation with the RTA and Immigration Department.
A police spokeswoman said breath tests were conducted on all drivers and all vehicles stopped were checked for drugs. The RTA was performing vehicle checks while immigration checks were also carried out.
Police said 10 people were charged with drug possession, one with drug supply and 18 others were cautioned for having small amounts of cannabis.
An Immigration Department spokeswoman said immigration officers were present only to assist police.
"Our officers were there in the event that anyone had a visa status which needed to be investigated," the spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman said no persons were detained for having an expired visa.
Outspoken Nimbin resident Michael Balderstone, president of the Australian Hemp Party, said police officers stopped anyone who looked "alternative".
"They set up tents - it's like a full-on camp-out," Mr Balderstone said. "Anyone who looks a bit different, looks like a hippie, or is Aboriginal, or drives an old car, is being pulled over. It's extremely aggressive and they're being very rude to the locals."
Mr Balderstone said he believed a new police command recently appointed to the region was keen to make a mark.
"Every new one thinks it's their job to clean up Nimbin," he said.
Tensions between locals and police had begun to rise in Nimbin following a recent drug arrest.
About 30 people gathered in front of Nimbin police station on Cullen St on February 10 demanding answers after the man was arrested.
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Sunday Telegraph, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2011 News Limited
Contact: news@dailytelegraph.com.au
Website: DailyTelegraph
Details: MapInc
Author: Laura Speranza
Up to 50 NSW police together with Immigration Department officials and RTA officers swooped on Nimbin last week in a highly unusual raid that resulted in 11 drug charges.
Police set up roadblocks at the three main entrances into town while two sniffer dogs were taken through the main shopping strip of Cullen St.
Simmering tensions between cannabis-smoking locals and police erupted during the two-day blitz, with local drug-legalisation groups describing it as a "military-style raid".
The Cannabis Coalition - a recently formed group seeking to field candidates for the upcoming state election - claimed Nimbin was "under attack" by police officers and their sniffer dogs.
"For a town of some 300 people, it's quite ridiculous to have them all up here," said Macciza Macpherson, a spokesman for the Cannabis Coalition. "There are usually just eight or nine police stationed in Nimbin."
Police confirmed they were in Nimbin on Friday and yesterday targeting illegal drugs as part of a joint operation with the RTA and Immigration Department.
A police spokeswoman said breath tests were conducted on all drivers and all vehicles stopped were checked for drugs. The RTA was performing vehicle checks while immigration checks were also carried out.
Police said 10 people were charged with drug possession, one with drug supply and 18 others were cautioned for having small amounts of cannabis.
An Immigration Department spokeswoman said immigration officers were present only to assist police.
"Our officers were there in the event that anyone had a visa status which needed to be investigated," the spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman said no persons were detained for having an expired visa.
Outspoken Nimbin resident Michael Balderstone, president of the Australian Hemp Party, said police officers stopped anyone who looked "alternative".
"They set up tents - it's like a full-on camp-out," Mr Balderstone said. "Anyone who looks a bit different, looks like a hippie, or is Aboriginal, or drives an old car, is being pulled over. It's extremely aggressive and they're being very rude to the locals."
Mr Balderstone said he believed a new police command recently appointed to the region was keen to make a mark.
"Every new one thinks it's their job to clean up Nimbin," he said.
Tensions between locals and police had begun to rise in Nimbin following a recent drug arrest.
About 30 people gathered in front of Nimbin police station on Cullen St on February 10 demanding answers after the man was arrested.
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Sunday Telegraph, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2011 News Limited
Contact: news@dailytelegraph.com.au
Website: DailyTelegraph
Details: MapInc
Author: Laura Speranza
