Australia: 80 arrested at Nimbin Mardi Grass | Australia

Australia: 80 arrested at Nimbin Mardi Grass

A cannabis plantation has been discovered during a major police operation in which scores of people were arrested at Nimbin's annual Mardi Grass festival on the NSW north coast.
By 2pm (AEST) today, police including officers from Sydney's riot squad, had made some 80 arrests connected to the two-day festival, known as a colourful alternative event.

"On Friday police executed a search warrant on a Basil Road, Nimbin, (property) in which two hydroponic cannabis-growing units were located," NSW police said in a statement. "Police seized 1.4kg of cannabis leaf."	Nimbin in New South Wales, Australia
No one has been arrested in relation to the discovery, but at least 24 people have been issued cannabis cautions and there have been three drink-driving charges, including a 28-year-old man who blew 0.175 after crashing his van.

Police have also seized cannabis, LCD, ecstasy, amphetamines and a quantity of cash, suspected of being the proceeds of crime, from one person allegedly selling drugs at the event.

Just south of Nimbin, a 44-year-old man from Kempsey died yesterday after he was thrown from his motorcycle into the path of an oncoming car.

A female passenger was airlifted to Lismore Base Hospital with multiple injuries.

"We have put a strong emphasis on high-visibility policing during this year's festival with police working to reduce and prevent crimes before they happen and to maintain public order," Superintendent Bruce Lyons said in a statement.

"We have been targeting all illegal activities, from traffic offences, violence and anti-social behaviour through to the supply and possession of all illicit drugs."

The police operation ends tomorrow.

Copyright © 2008. The Sydney Morning Herald.

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