DRUGS SWOOP IN THE CLOISTERS

(pictures of a police woman sniffing a chillum in the cathedral cloisters,
another of her having a discussion with C of HASH representatives and a
small picture of Craig Capps)

Norwich cathedral was at the centre of a drugs operation involving
undercover policemen after members of the Church of the Holy And Sacred
Herb vowed to smoke cannabis in the cloisters.

A dozen members of the self-styled religious group gathered in the
cathedral yesterday afternoon after asking to speak to the Bishop of
Norwich about the use of the drug.

But when they started to smoke from a communal pipe, officers moved in and,
after several searches, made four arrests on suspicion of unlawful
possession of controlled drugs.

Two people were later released without charge and two on bail pending
further enquiries.

Cathedral authorities gave permission for the group to meet, but they were
warned on arrival by police that action would be taken if they did anything
suspicious.

Craig Capps, group co-ordinator said "The is not what we wanted to happen.
We just wanted someone from the church to come and talk to us. Now people
have been arrested."

We represent various religious bodies and individuals who use the plant
cannabis as sacrament in our rituals and prayer. Everyone else is allowed
to speak with someone from the church. We just wanted to put our views
across".

Tim Cawlkwell, administrator at Norwich cathedral, said "The cathedral
doesn't want to encourage breaking the law. They did ask of they could see
someone and we didn't want to exclude them from the church".

"We compromised by asking the police to monitor any law breaking".

Drugs and their use for medicinal purposes is set to be discussed at the
church of England general Synod on July 4th.

Mr Cawlkwell added "They made their point, but we feel there are better
ways of doing it. The cathedral is not the right place."

"The church is a healing institution and has a strong interest in this
matter. Its another of those ethical issues where the church can have an
important role to play".

PC Kimberly Diel of Norwich police said "Whilst it is accepted that people
have the right to demonstrate and express their views, they must do so
within the law. If the law is broken, as it clearly was in this case, the
police will have to take positive action".

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski