DRUG RAID CHOPPER MAKES A SCHOOL STOPOVER

A parent from Barkers Vale Public School has criticised police for
landing their helicopter on an oval opposite the school during a
cannabis operation.

The man, who didn't wish to be named, said some of the kids were "terrified".

"My kids couldn't understand why the police had guns," he said. "I
understand why they need to do the raids but I think it is so
unnecessary to take a pile of marijuana to a local primary school.
Primary school children don't need to be exposed to that sort of thing."

He said as well as the helicopter, a police truck full of marijuana
arrived on the oval with what looked like armed army personnel.

The police State Crime Command Unit and the NSW Department of
Education have both confirmed that the helicopter was invited to
land at the request of the school principal.

The helicopter was flying low in nearby areas which was distracting
the students who were running over to the windows to see what was
going on. The school then contacted police and it was arranged for
the helicopter to land so students could have a closer look.

"The principal then took the students to the helicopter and they
were allowed to meet with the crew, sit in the aircraft and see how
the helicopter operated," Drug Squad Commander Detective
Superintendent Nick Bingham said.

Police explained that they were undertaking an anti-drug operation.
Seized plants were visible but not actively shown to the students
according to a Department of Education spokesperson.

During the five-day operation, which began on February 2, police
searched areas in and around Nimbin, Lillian Rock, The Channon,
Lismore, Blue Knob, Tabulam, Drake, Duck Creek, Pretty Gully,
Tooloom, Yabra, and Urbenville. They have arrested seven people who
will face court on charges relating to cultivating a prohibited drug.

Police seized 1790 plants during the operation, which have an
estimated street value of $3.5 million.

Police said the cannabis eradication program will continue during
the coming weeks.