Pubdate: Mon, 16 Aug 1999
Source: Portsmouth News (UK)
Pubdate: Mon, 16 Aug 999
Website: http:\\www.thenews.co.uk
Contact: 31 ARRESTS AT PRO-CANNABIS DEMO

Thirty one people were arrested for drug-related offences yesterday as
police launched a zero tolerance policy at a pro-cannabis rally at Southsea.

But the crackdown was criticised by city councillor Jason Fazackarley as
wasting taxpayers' money.

Scuffles broke out as 50 officers confronted 150 demonstrators at Smokey
Bear's Picnic on Southsea Common.

Inspector Kevin Waller said he had been expecting up to 1,500 people, the
same figure as last year, and police numbers reflected that.

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