Greens slam police sniffer dogs

Issue 

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon slammed the police operation at the Big Day Out, saying that the use of sniffer dogs against recreational drug users had put people's health in danger.

"In 2006, the NSW Ombudsman reported that young people are risking overdose or serious harm to their health in an attempt to avoid detection by sniffer dogs", Rhiannon said.

"Young people have been seen panicking and swallowing all their drugs at once when they see a sniffer dog operation. Police admitted to the NSW Ombudsman they keep ambulances close by to respond to potential overdoses."

The heavy presence of police with sniffer dogs has also been linked to the use of often more dangerous odourless drugs, with people using "ice" and other drugs rather than cannabis.

The 2005 Big Day Out operation led to one prosecution for supply of a young man to his girlfriend.

A summary of the Ombudsman's report released in September 2006, which criticised the use of police sniffer drug dogs can be found at <03.php>.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.