Kyla
07-24-2004, 07:24 PM
60 held in drug raid
DANIEL KNOWLES
July 25, 2004
MORE than 60 partygoers have been detained by police after an early-morning raid on an unlicensed club in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley.
Police said the operation uncovered a variety of drugs, including amphetamines, ecstasy, crystal meth and GHB ("fantasy"). Proceedings have begun against 18 people over 28 drug-related offences.
Uniformed and plainclothes officers with drug sniffer dogs and public safety response team members raided the Rise day-recovery club on Ann St about 7am yesterday.
The venue opens early in the morning to cater for all-night dance music patrons but does not serve alcohol.
Brisbane City Council closed the club later yesterday.
Council inspectors are believed to have found a rat-infested pile of rubbish that had not been moved for weeks, along with fire and other safety issues.
Detective Inspector Bob Hytch said the raid followed an operation last weekend.
He said yesterday's raid involved a strong police presence – about 50 officers and the dogs.
"It was done for safety reasons and the large number of people expected in the club," Det-Insp Hytch said.
"The execution of this warrant is Phase 2 of a two-part operation conducted by Fortitude Valley CIB.
"Phase 1 was conducted over last weekend in eight residential addresses, resulting in the prosecution of 11 persons on 31 charges including possession and supply of various dangerous drugs – ecstasy, fantasy, crystal meth and cannabis."
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said council officers ordered the club closed following their own inspection.
He said Rise had held an entertainment venue licence until May but had not renewed it despite attempts by council to contact the owners.
Entertainment venues must be licensed by the council to ensure they meet fire and food standards and adhere to noise limits.
Deputy Mayor David Hinchliffe said he had received repeated complaints about noise and drug use at Rise.
Council officers also inspected Boom, another recovery venue, in Warner St yesterday.
Cr Newman said the visit was part of the council's regular inspection of venues. No further action was taken.
The Sunday Mail (Qld)
DANIEL KNOWLES
July 25, 2004
MORE than 60 partygoers have been detained by police after an early-morning raid on an unlicensed club in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley.
Police said the operation uncovered a variety of drugs, including amphetamines, ecstasy, crystal meth and GHB ("fantasy"). Proceedings have begun against 18 people over 28 drug-related offences.
Uniformed and plainclothes officers with drug sniffer dogs and public safety response team members raided the Rise day-recovery club on Ann St about 7am yesterday.
The venue opens early in the morning to cater for all-night dance music patrons but does not serve alcohol.
Brisbane City Council closed the club later yesterday.
Council inspectors are believed to have found a rat-infested pile of rubbish that had not been moved for weeks, along with fire and other safety issues.
Detective Inspector Bob Hytch said the raid followed an operation last weekend.
He said yesterday's raid involved a strong police presence – about 50 officers and the dogs.
"It was done for safety reasons and the large number of people expected in the club," Det-Insp Hytch said.
"The execution of this warrant is Phase 2 of a two-part operation conducted by Fortitude Valley CIB.
"Phase 1 was conducted over last weekend in eight residential addresses, resulting in the prosecution of 11 persons on 31 charges including possession and supply of various dangerous drugs – ecstasy, fantasy, crystal meth and cannabis."
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said council officers ordered the club closed following their own inspection.
He said Rise had held an entertainment venue licence until May but had not renewed it despite attempts by council to contact the owners.
Entertainment venues must be licensed by the council to ensure they meet fire and food standards and adhere to noise limits.
Deputy Mayor David Hinchliffe said he had received repeated complaints about noise and drug use at Rise.
Council officers also inspected Boom, another recovery venue, in Warner St yesterday.
Cr Newman said the visit was part of the council's regular inspection of venues. No further action was taken.
The Sunday Mail (Qld)