Undercover cops to crack down on Cup carnival drunks

PLAINCLOTHES police officers will mingle with racegoers during the Melbourne Cup Carnival in a bid to tackle drunkenness and drug use.

UNDERCOVER police officers will mingle with racegoers during the Melbourne Cup Carnival in a bid to tackle drunkenness and drug use.

The plainclothes officers are to be deployed to high-risk areas as the carnival celebrations get under way.

The crackdown comes as more than 90,000 people are expected to attend Flemington for Derby Day on Saturday, with the new $128 million members’ stand likely to serve as one of the biggest lures. VRC chief executive Neil Wilson said organisers were looking ­forward to lifting the curtain on a landmark carnival.

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Plainclothes officers are to be deployed to high-risk areas as the spring racing carnival celebrations get under way. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“The roses are in bloom, the track looks outstanding, and we can’t wait to kick off Cup Week,” he said.

He said the new Club Stand would set a benchmark in raceday hospitality, as police warned corporate areas of the track would come under ­scrutiny. Superintendent Dav­id Clayton told the Herald Sun there would be no targeted anti-drug operation, but police would crack down on drug use if officers spotted suspicious behaviour.

“The event goes over a long period of time so alcohol can be an issue and lead to public disorder,” Supt Clayton said.

“We don’t have intelligence around widespread drug use or trafficking. It would be naive to think it doesn’t occur but we don’t think it is widespread.”

Extra police and PSOs will patrol the public transport network to and from the racecourse each day. Picture: Nicole Garmston

After protesters disrupted transport to last year’s event, police said they were ready to ensure disruptions were kept to a minimum this year.

“We have taken learnings from last year and undertaken scenario-based exercises to ­ensure we are well prepared and equipped to prevent and disrupt any protest action that may impact on people’s ­movement to and from Flemington,” he said.

Extra police and PSOs will patrol the public transport network to and from the racecourse each day.

Officers from the transit safety division, highway patrol, water police, search and rescue and the Critical Incident Response Team will all be ­deployed.

Police said they were ready to ensure disruptions were kept to a minimum this year. Picture: AAP

Supt Clayton warned that police would take a dim view of anti-social behaviour. “We know the overwhelming ­majority of people come to the races with the right attitude and enjoy the day safely and responsibly,” he said.

“But for anyone who contemplates coming to the races and drinking to excess or engaging in anti-social behaviour, let this be a firm but fair reminder to think again.”

Bag checks will be carried out at all entrances, with racegoers reminded to leave plenty of time to get into the venue.

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Originally published as Undercover cops to crack down on Cup carnival drunks