POLICE RAID ON HEROIN GALLERY

The Wayside Chapel's controversial heroin shooting gallery may be closed
within days after police yesterday entered the building to "gather evidence".

About 3.20 pm, six officers, including Local Area Commander Bob Myatt and
Detective Inspector Jeff Steer, went to the Kings Cross chapel and spoke to
staff.

The 20-minute visit was said to be amicable, with the officers being greeted
at the door by Pastor Ray Richmond.

A volunteer nurse and social worker were interviewed and, according to
co-organiser of the injecting room Tony Trimingham, police took video evidence.

They also asked to have a needle disposal bin opened but were refused. No
arrests were made. The move came after meetings between Kings Cross police
chiefs, Police Commissioner Peter Ryan and Premier Bob Carr.

A written complaint was sent to Mr Ryan by morals campaigner and NSW
Christian Democrats MP Fred Nile early yesterday morning.

Kings Cross police station had also received dozens of telephone complaints.

Premier Bob Carr maintained his zero tolerance approach to drugs yesterday,
but said it was up to police to decide whether to raid the shooting gallery.

"Police are in charge of that and police are determined to uphold the law,"
he said.

"I would have been much happier if the people at the Wayside Chapel had
expanded their rehabilitation services."

But Police Minister Paul Whelan refused to join the push urging the closure
of the shooting gallery.

Mr Whelan said organisers of the Tolerance Room, or T-Room, should simply
reconsider their position. He said he had applied no pressure for any action
to be taken.

But Supt Myatt said the visit was part of a police investigation.

"We're gathering evidence ... we'll analyse that evidence and take the
appropriate action," he said.

It is understood that while heroin addicts had used the premises yesterday
to inject themselves, none was in the room when police arrived.

Mr Trimingham said he was disappointed by the police action.

"Of course it's harassment. Their presence here is designed to turn people
away from the place," he said.

Mr Trimingham said the room would continue to open between 2pm and 4pm every
Monday, Wednesday and Friday until otherwise advised.

Earlier in the day, Assistant Commissioner Ken Moroney said police would
prepare a brief on the T-Room and if an offence could be proved, action
would be taken.