Nimbin Mardi Grass: 65 allegedly caught drug driving, others charged with supply drugs
Dozens of people have been allegedly caught drug driving at the Nimbin Mardi Grass, with one man charged with supplying a commercial quantity of drugs.
Crime and Court
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DOZENS of people have been allegedly caught drug driving at the Nimbin Mardi Grass.
Police slammed the high number of people who returned positive results for prohibited drugs at the three day event, labelling it immeasurably irresponsible and dangerous.
Police ran a number of operations during the festival, which is held to protest against current drug laws, and suspended 65 people from driving for 24 hours after they returned positive oral fluid results to prohibited drugs.
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It included 28 for cannabis, 14 for cocaine, 12 for methylamphetamine, nine for cannabis and methylamphetamine, and two for cocaine and methylamphetamine.
Police are awaiting drug results from a second sample before deciding on further action.
One 24-year-old Queensland man was charged with multiple drug offences, including supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, while a 17-year-old was charged with offensive behaviour, assault police and resist arrest.
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The 24-year-old is set to appear at Lismore Local Court on July 15.
Richmond Police District Chief Inspector Nicole Bruce said they were very concerned at the large number of people who tested positive.
“Illegal drugs have an adverse effect on the precise skills, concentration and response times required to safely drive a motor vehicle,” she said.
“Those who drive while under the influence of any drug are automatically at greater risk of injuring or killing themselves, their passengers and other road users.”
Some of the operations police ran during the event included a drug dog operation, a target action group and high visibility policing.
About 3000 people attended the event.
Police also praised the good behaviour from the majority of festival goers.
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