Pubdate: Tue, 02 Mar 2004
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2004 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Contact:  http://www.abc.net.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/34

POLICE GIVEN POWERS TO SEARCH CAFE FOR DRUGS WITHOUT WARRANT

New South Wales police now have the power to look for illegal drugs in
a so-called "cannabis cafe" in Kings Cross without a getting a search
warrant.

Police say the Bliss Cafe has been declared a restricted premises by
the Supreme Court, which allows officers to search for drugs at any
time.

The Police Minister John Watkins says it will help police to close
cafes where cannabis is sold.

"It is the first time that this power has been exercised by the
Supreme Court after an application by police and it means police now
have very strong powers to move against this cafe when they believe
that drugs are being sold," he said. 
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