Police shut down the Azure V dance party at the Royal Botanical Gardens two hours earlier than it was supposed to end on Sunday night following the arrest of 26 people for drug-related offences.
Police say 40 charges were laid relating to "the possession or supply of mainly MDMA, as well as cocaine, ketamine, speed, GBH and cannabis." Of the 26 arrested, nine were allegedly detected with a trafficable amount of illicit drugs.
Organisers expect the event, which is being held a week before the big Mardi Gras weekend, to be attended by 5000 people including some of "Sydney's [and the world's] most buffed and beautiful."
According to a police statement, a warrant was sought and granted by a magistrate to close the party early as "police held concerns for patrons" due to the "number of drug detections."
The Age newspaper quoted an unnamed officer involved in the arrests as saying: "We take drug dogs down there annually. It was not a specially planned operation to uproot the Mardi Gras or upset the gays. It was just the blatant quantity of drugs [we found]."
The drug swoop is expected to cast a shadow over the month-long event as it culminates in a spectacular street parade along Oxford Road on March 3 followed by a 12-hour long party, which organisers hope to draw "16,000 local and international party people."
People have expressed concern that the police will take similar action during the party and that partygoers will be hesitant to attend.
For more info on safe partying, sexual health, drugs, treatment, street safety, depression and same-sex domestic violence, visit the AIDS Council of New South Wales (ACON).
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Reader's Comments
its sad that drugs are so vital for a group of people who see themselves as "health conscious"
Wat's they ghunna prevent next!?!? Alcohol..?!?!
Fact - sniffer dogs have never been brought into the main Mardi Gras party before. Fact - New Mardi Gras have a good working relationship with Surry Hills police. Fact - in NSW if a sniffer dog tags you, it is not enough reason for the police to search you. It is only if you are behaving suspiciously or look really messed up on drugs that they have the right to search you. Party tip - talk to the police calmly, tell them you've had a few drinks and that you're going home soon.
Dampened moods? I don't think so. People considering being more responsible? Yes, and that's a good thing! Everyone I know is still going and more excited than ever. Happy Mardi Gras boys! Party safe and have fun, that's what it's about.
One of the things the heavy drug-users can do or should do for the sake of the reputation of the community and the fun of other non-drug-users in the party is to sacrificially refrain from using drugs at those parties. Should not be too selfish or self-centred and spoil others' fun or the community's reputation because of one's indulgence in drugs.
Scott
There is no doubt that the harrassment tactics of using sniffer dogs and the raids on parties and other venues will continue.
They should realise that will drive the parties back underground and cause resentment against the Police and therefore fuel more illegal activities.
If you want to do party drugs do them before you go inside the venue.
This festival has so much potential and posibilities + wonderful meanings that celebrate the liberty of our human sexuality+identity and the heritage of the Queer community; are we really all about Drugs, Sex & Boooze? and then What? what is there after the Drugs, the Sex and the Booze?
There are perhaps important things we could and should reflect on and help drive this festival towards a positive, healthy & the core meaning of Mardi Gras!
I love parties... but,
Should this be another meaningless Mardi Gras?...
I don't know.
But leave the drugs at home or take them before you come (if you really feel that you need something to make you feel alive).
The Few (again), Spoil it for the Rest of Us!
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