PRESS RELEASE - 27th November 2002

HEMP Monitors Police Conduct In Annual Pre Christmas Raids

The Nimbin HEMP Embassy is collecting data on how the police conduct themselves in their annual pre Christmas cannabis raids which begin today in the Tweed Valley. Residents are asked to call the Embassy at (02) 6689 1842 or email at webhead@hempembassy.net with information. For years we've had to put up with their Rambo tactics and now we are serious about monitoring their behaviour and anything untoward will be reported in the proper manner.

"NSW police insist on valuing every plant, male or female, including seedlings, at $2000 each. It's the same situation every year" said Andrew Kavasilas, from the Nimbin HEMP Embassy, "we'll see a self assessment at the end of the operation, with overestimation of the street value of the hippy pot."

Mr Kavasilas was critical of police long term outcomes. "With high estimations being broadcast, we'll see organised crime and profiteers rush to fill the hole in the cannabis black market with other drugs. It's hard to believe police don't have more sophisticated methods of detecting commercial cannabis crops these days. Perhaps they're here for terrorist training".