Seven people were arrested during a four-hour drug-dog operation in Nimbin on Tuesday (April 24).
Between 11am and 3pm, police searched 24 people in Nimbin township using the sniffer dog as a guide.
As a result of the operation seven people were arrested for dug detections, which included cannabis and ice.
Police say two officers suffered minor bruising during one arrest.
A 27-year-old man was later charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cannabis, assault and resist police.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Lismore Local Court on Monday May 28.
Police also issued seven move on directions.
They say further operations are anticipated.
HEMP Embassy hits out
But HEMP Embassy president Michael Balderstone believes the police tactics such as this are leading changed drug use patterns in Australia.
‘There is no question any more as to whether current policing is driving a change in drug use in Australia,’ he told Echonetdaily. It’s a fact.
‘Sniffer dogs and saliva testing are both huge contributors to driving this change and it’s hard to believe the police do not realise it,’ he said.
‘The dried herb Cannabis is so totally different to all the other illegal drugs, which are mostly chemical now.
Pot is bulky and smelly compared to powders and pills, and stinks to high heaven when you smoke it. Of course it will push young people who know no better to use whatever they can get away with,’ Mr Balderstone said.
He added that police ‘need to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions’.
‘Maybe it’s time they marched with us for Cannabis law reform in the MardiGrass rally on Sunday May 6, the weekend after next.
‘I cannot understand why they do not support separating cannabis from the other illegals, unless it’s just about keeping their jobs and power to search anyone. The incredibly positive outcomes of changing the laws in America are there for everyone to see now. Australia seems stuck 20 years behind – and the question we are all asking now is why?
‘The dog walking the streets of Nimbin yesterday stirring everyone up was the perfect reminder of why we hold MardiGrass and we expect plenty of passion this year. Maybe that’s why they did it?’ he said.
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