Pubdate: Thu, 01 Nov 2001
Source: Courier-Mail, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2001 News Limited
Contact:  http://www.thecouriermail.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/98
Author: Debbie Beaven

NIMBIN POLICE ON ALERT AFTER RAID SPARKS RIOT

POLICE in the NSW north coast town of Nimbin, near Lismore, are on alert 
today after a riot involving more than 500 people late yesterday.

The incident was sparked when police raided the Hemp Party headquarters, 
arrested a man and seized a small amount of cash and cannabis.

A police spokesman confirmed about 28 police were involved in the covert 
operation just after midday.

Two hours after the search began, police emerged with a man in custody 
after seizing about 100g of cannabis.

By that time a large crowd of bystanders had gathered. They loudly 
criticised what some described as "excessive police action" to arrest one man.

The crowd chanted "go back to Manly" and tried to hinder the police.

When police attempted to drive away from the scene, people clung to the 
vehicles and threw themselves in front of them.

The Hemp Party's NSW senate candidate, Michael Balderstone, said the crowd 
then filled the streets and pursued the police to the local station.

"People are furious in town because we have had a lot of trouble with other 
more dangerous drugs and police haven't wanted to know about it," Mr 
Balderstone said. "Eighty per cent of drug arrests are for cannabis and 
mostly it's for personal use, wasting massive police time and resources."

Police and members of the Hemp Party said there had been a lot of tension 
in the town recently.

Local activist Dave Cannabis, 44, was arrested and charged with supply, 
possession and goods in custody and was bailed to appear in Lismore Local 
Court on November 19.