Pubdate: Thu, 12 Feb 2009
Source: Northern River Echo, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2009 TAOW P/L
Contact:  http://www.echonews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4736
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

DRUG RAID CHOPPER MAKES A SCHOOL STOPOVER

A parent from Barkers Vale Public School has criticised  police for 
landing their helicopter on an oval opposite  the school during a 
cannabis operation.

The man, who didn't wish to be named, said some of the  kids were "terrified".

"My kids couldn't understand why the police had guns,"  he said. "I 
understand why they need to do the raids  but I think it is so 
unnecessary to take a pile of  marijuana to a local primary school. 
Primary school  children don't need to be exposed to that sort of thing."

He said as well as the helicopter, a police truck full  of marijuana 
arrived on the oval with what looked like  armed army personnel.

The police State Crime Command Unit and the NSW  Department of 
Education have both confirmed that the  helicopter was invited to 
land at the request of the  school principal.

The helicopter was flying low in nearby areas which was  distracting 
the students who were running over to the  windows to see what was 
going on. The school then  contacted police and it was arranged for 
the helicopter  to land so students could have a closer look.

"The principal then took the students to the helicopter  and they 
were allowed to meet with the crew, sit in the  aircraft and see how 
the helicopter operated," Drug  Squad Commander Detective 
Superintendent Nick Bingham  said.

Police explained that they were undertaking an  anti-drug operation. 
Seized plants were visible but not  actively shown to the students 
according to a  Department of Education spokesperson.

During the five-day operation, which began on February  2, police 
searched areas in and around Nimbin, Lillian  Rock, The Channon, 
Lismore, Blue Knob, Tabulam, Drake,  Duck Creek, Pretty Gully, 
Tooloom, Yabra, and  Urbenville. They have arrested seven people who 
will  face court on charges relating to cultivating a  prohibited drug.

Police seized 1790 plants during the operation, which  have an 
estimated street value of $3.5 million.

Police said the cannabis eradication program will  continue during 
the coming weeks.
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