Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:


After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back.

UK: We'll come down hard on dope smokers, say police

Daniel Bardsley

The News, Portsmouth

Wednesday 08 Aug 2001

---

Crusading campaigners are given warning ahead of pro-cannabis picnic

The policing of this weekend's pro-cannabis Smokey Bears picnic will be as
strict as ever, top officers warned today.

Hundreds of protesters are expected at the event on Sunday which has seen
clashes with police and open cannabis smoking over the past eight years.
One of the organisers, who would only give his name as Dave, said he was
expecting about 500 campaigners to attend.

He said: 'The police seem to be on a crusade against us. We hear about how
short staffed they are but that doesn't stop them finding 80 officers to put
on the common. They can bring the army in but that won't stop us - we will
continue until we have sensible cannabis laws.

'We've never encouraged people to break the law and smoke cannabis during
the event.

'But if you invite a large number of people to gather the fact that someone
does is not a surprise.'

But Superintendent Martyn Powell, from Hampshire Constabulary, said: 'We
have a duty to the people of Portsmouth to ensure their public places are
not spoiled by people breaking the law.'

He urged those attending not to bring cannabis with them, adding: 'The
criminal law and local by-laws will be enforced where necessary.'

One of those taking part will be Jon Neil, who was awarded pounds1,200
compensation following his arrest at last year's event after making fun
of a police officer wearing a ginger wig. Police wrongly told local
media he had been detained for possessing drugs.

Mr Neil has offered to spend about pounds100 of his payout on ice creams
and food for this year's protesters.

The 37-year-old warehouseman, who lives in Wyndcliffe Road, Southsea, said:
'I think my arrest last year and the entire police operation was about
bullying.

'But by using some of my compensation to buy munchies for the picnickers,
some of Hampshire Constabulary's money will be put to more constructive
use,' he added.

This year's demonstration starts at 2pm.

Also set to attend is Labour councillor Jason Fazackarley, head of the
city's public protection committee, who supports a change in the law.

He told The News: 'Those taking part have every right to go and demonstrate
provided they don't break the law.

'They're all aware that cannabis is unfortunately still illegal,' he added.

EVENT HAS HISTORY OF TROUBLE

The Smokey Bears Picnic has a chequered history that has included
allegations of over-policing, disputes between officers and protesters and
open cannabis smoking.

Two years ago scuffles repeatedly broke out on Southsea Common as 50 police
officers confronted around 150 demonstrators, arresting 30 of them.

Police had discarded their tolerant approach of the previous year,
which saw a number of protesters smoking cannabis on the common.

In 1997 convicted drug smuggler Howard Marks was arrested on suspicion of
possessing drugs, sparking scuffles between police and demonstrators.

 

 

 

After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back. 




This page was created by the Cannabis Campaigners' Guide.

Feel free to link to this page!