Pot Smoked en Mass in Dunedin Police Station: No Arrests

More than 70 smoking cannabis law reform supporters occupied the Dunedin Central Police Station this afternoon to show their disagreement with the continued criminalisation of cannabis users. Although people were smoking cannabis openly in the Police lobby and front lawn, the only Police response was to tersely tell them to “Go away”.

The action occurred following well attended J Day celebrations in Dunedin which featured speakers including Labour M.P Pete Hodgson.

“We were committing an illegal act, and the police didn’t want to arrest us. But they still haven’t told us why not.” Said J Day organiser Duncan Eddy.

“Police Forces in England and Scotland have publicly declared they want to stop arresting cannabis users so they can better respond to real crime. We want our police to stop arresting cannabis users and to enter honestly into the cannabis law reform debate.”

“During 2002 the police recorded 21,034 cannabis offences. Over the same period, the murder rate went up 31%, sex attacks were up 17% and robberies increased 11%. Criminalising cannabis users means that real crimes go unsolved. “

“Cannabis prohibition is an unworkable and unjust law. Police should stop wasting their limited time and resources busting pot smokers and focus on violent crimes and property crimes.”

A cannabis plant was also planted in front of the Police Station.

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