[NEWS] Sniffer dogs raid two Sydney events, 44 arrested

[phase_dancer]

All they achieved was making a bunch of ravers shit their pants.

Perhaps that's the undisclosed objective; scare them all into not going (supporting) these events. It will drive the parties back underground. It will provide the temporary public view that drugs have been cleaned up through the tough drugs police presences.

When the public enemy again rises up (underground scene), those against all things fun will be able to attack each and every party with a heavy presence. After-all, the parties will be illegal and every attendant will therefore be committing some offence simply by being there.

8( I do hope that this doesn't happen.

mmm...makes me wonder if the stray dogs usually seen at doofs could be in part the reason why we don't see too many sniffers at these events?

 

[Bent]

What happens after these raids? Does the gig continue (obviously with a less than favourable vibe?) Or does the gig shut up shop?

Either way I believe the promoter of these events could argue that these raids cost their business a lot of money...so long as they could show they took all possible steps to ensure there were no drugs in the venue (such as the pat-downs, wallet searches, etc), would there be any chance of recourse in the courts?

Major events such as Two-Tribes, etc have bloody big budgets - and rely not only on door sales but also bar sales to make them worthwhile - if you shut the gig hours before it was supposed to, then the potential losses are pretty darn big - could you argue that its a restriction of trade and try an recoup some of the losses via court?

Or would the majority win and decide that dance parties are the source of all evil in the world and therefore should be shut down, irrespective of the costs.

 

[IWoody]

Perhaps we need a standard techno tune which is code for the presence of the witch hunters. As the DJ usually has the best view, this could be something for those at risk to consider. Perhaps a remake of that old KRS-ONE track "It's the sound of the police"...mmm...might be a we bit obvious

Last yr the dog squad came to the Mercury Nightclub in Newcastle within 45seconds the DJ(Skooby or mathamatics) was scratching in "fuck the police" Funny stuff!!

 

[diegoblunt]

FTC

well...everyone has already said everything i wanted to say about this fucked up situation...but i'll just add that my friend was bashed and robbed in the city by some gang-bangers while the cops were too busy arresting pre-pubescent kandi kids with 1/2 a speed bomb (the other 1/2 they consumed earlier and was feeling super PLURry).

another mis-allocation of resources...lets vote out Carr next state election

 

[Trillian]

another mis-allocation of resources...lets vote out Carr next state election

Yeah, and the Liberal/National coalition are so renowned for their soft, understanding and above all compassionate stance on drug use 8(

 

[diegoblunt]

^^^umm id like to see the greens in power or even the socialist alliance would be better than liberal/labour/nationals etc etc...

 

[phase_dancer]

Either way I believe the promoter of these events could argue that these raids cost their business a lot of money...so long as they could show they took all possible steps to ensure there were no drugs in the venue (such as the pat-downs, wallet searches, etc), would there be any chance of recourse in the courts?

The way I understand it, is that if any-one is caught using/possessing/selling drugs on the premises/grounds, the promoter can be held responsible. While it may be unlikely the promoter is charged (different story if someone dies) the outcome could very well be just as serious.

If the event is indoors, the promoter is likely to be made to feel any pressure brought about by police on management. If it's outdoors, it may be that a permit is refused next time around. That effectively fucks everyone!

 

[Hardicus]

Originally posted by Bill Hicks (RIP)
"I think the puppet on the right shares my beliefs. I think the puppet on the left is more to my liking. Hey, wait a minute--there's one guy holding up both puppets. Shut up. Go back to bed America, your government is in control. Here's Love Connection--watch this and get fat and stupid. By the way, keep drinking beer you fucking morons."

Also: WALLET SEARCHES!? Are security fucking allowed to do that!?

 

[blanco]

In reply to the wallet searches,

For arguments sake lets believe that it is illegal for the security to perform wallet searches.

On the back of any ticket to any big event, it states that the promoter and security or other perons acting on behalf of the promoter, reserve the right to refuse a patrons entry to the event if deemed necessary.

Now if they ask for yourre wallet and you say no, they can be anally retentive and get you taken out.

You cant really do much about that can you.

 

[BigTrancer]

^ yeah... but then you dont get busted. Don't let security search you if you have stuff on you! It's only a dance party/club night... if you don't wanna get busted go somewhere else.

Of course it looks a bit obvious, I know, but hey - the search is a condition of entry, if you're not entering then you have no legal reason to be subjected to a physical search (and therefore no reason to be busted doing something illegal)... I'm not totally up with the legal situation, but I wouldn't think security could/would call the police and/or detain you under suspicion of drug possession, unless they have searched and busted you first. A patron refusing a search should only be grounds for the security refusing that patron entry to their event.

BigTrancer

 

[notneo]

shit...... Sydney is worse than America for this shit.

Aren't raves illegal in USA?

 

[hoptis]

Aside from the relevance of the Heroin Injecting Room, comparing NSW and Qld to Victoria atm; Victoria seems miles ahead in sensible HR directed reform. The concept of a National Standard Drug Policy seems lost amidst local government variations in regards to laws and support offered to HR groups. What's even worse is that the greatest variations in Health policy lie between Labor elected States 8(

What advantage would there be in uniform attitudes towards drug policy in all states if that policy would simply reflect Johnny's (and Brian Watters) zero-tolerance personal beliefs on the issue? At least as it is now, we have breathing room in some states.

I went to the dance event and I was molested by dogs twice, although the first time they didn't have a good look because one bloke did a runner just as the dogs were heading towards me and all the cops screamed and jumped on him. I was fucking greatful for the distraction, and to the chick who knocked him over on purpose so the cops could get him I say a big fuck you.

The second time the dog was paraded around me and I could *see* and *hear* the fucker sniffing, but I had my gear well wrapped up in glad wrap and was fine.

As a Victorian, and I'm sure I speak for most Victorians reading this when I say, you don't know how scary it is to hear about things like this going on.

Question about the girl who knocked the guy over who was running away; was it a policewoman? I find it hard to believe that another party goer would do something like that. Is that how you treat each other in Sydney?

 

[anfalicious]

Wow, Sydney must be a great place to live!!!!

With all of your coppers busting kids at dance parties, I bet Sydney must'nt have any Murdurs, Rapes, Burglaries or assults!

Or riots. *cough*

 

[Bent]

As a Victorian, and I'm sure I speak for most Victorians reading this when I say, you don't know how scary it is to hear about things like this going on.

Tell me about it...walking up to the door at a couple of major outdoor events we've had down here since the start of the year I've half expected a line of dogs out front...really, really hope it doesn't happen down here!

 

[phase_dancer]

What advantage would there be in uniform attitudes towards drug policy in all states if that policy would simply reflect Johnny's (and Brian Watters) zero-tolerance personal beliefs on the issue? At least as it is now, we have breathing room in some states.

Hoptis, I was referring more to support of Harm Reduction groups. Qld Health no longer supports the RaveSafe program (a somewhat personal gripe of mine) after 4 years of successful operations without a blemish. Other states have allocated even less to such groups.

On the other hand, Health Depts and Governments in Victoria, SA and now I've heard, also WA, are supporting or initiating Ravesafe projects in these States. Zero-tolerance needs to go, and I understand that by having different states form different policies, it will eventually allow for comparisons and judgements to be made concerning the whole matter of minimal use intolerance.

But HR groups like RaveSafe have learned to work within the present framework - they've had to to get approval. Not just from police or government, but also from promoter, managers and the punters. Trust is established between punters and ravesafers, not only because they can usually identify with Peer helpers as being "one of them", but also because RaveSafe is conforming in every way possible to ensure a minimal consequence outcome for everyone. In terms of music based cults or dissident groups endorsing government associated support organisations, society has never before known such a phenomena.

Therefore, I see some integration between state groups as being vital in bringing pressure on other states which currently don't address this important area. We'd all like to see zero tolerance abolished as policy, but regardless, there's need for Peer Assistance groups, and they are rarely affected directly by zero-tolerance. Let's face it, if the law was truly enforced, RaveSafe as a group simply wouldn't be allowed.

 

[Bent]

Didn't the whole dog situation in Sydney come about as a result of increased security measures for the Olympics? (Or at least that was the excuse...)

What are people's thoughts on the possibility that similar measures will be introduced into Victoria as a result of the Commonwealth Games???

 

[Jimity]

Whilst talking to the police commander at a Sydney based dance party at Olympic park the other night, he said that they dont give a shit about people with a couple of pills and they hate wasting time with drug arrests for personal users. He said that he didnt care if he saw someone munch a pill, but would much rather get dealers and suppliers.

The actual coppers are usually really nice blokes, its the police force itself that gives us greif so much.

 

[notneo]

^Not all police officers are nice guys, trust me on that one. However they are generally fair when it comes to users at raves.

 

[0ff1cer_ch0ps]

just like for most things in life, There is always a bad one in a bunch... Cops are a good example... I work in a pub, and cops come in all the time (out of uniform) they are just normal fuckin human beings, they have a job to do. And as stated above, it isnt for the lil men ... they want the big fish...

And for all who think cops are the worst ppl in the world... just remember who is paying them???

 

[Jimity]

^ , thats why I said usually. They're just people like us. Some are arseholes, some are cool.