POLICE seized drugs including MDMA and cannabis as part of an operation in Melbourne ahead of Groovin The Moo on Saturday morning.
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Transit police ran Operation Packthread with Passive Alert Detection dogs at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Railway Station.
The operation aimed to to detect anyone travelling to the festival with illicit drugs.
Senior Sergeant Dave Cochrane said illicit substances could potentially put festival-goers and train commuters at risk.
“There is absolutely no place on the public transport system for drugs – their use, transportation or distribution,” he said.
“We use PAD dogs to identify the presence of drugs on commuters getting on trains, so if you’re carrying something you shouldn’t be, we will catch you.’’
Senior Sergeant Cochrane said police were happy with the overall behaviour of commuters.
However, five people were arrested for drug offences during the operation.
Two were referred to a drug diversion program, two were cautioned, and one was interviewed in relation to possession of multiple drugs.
“The majority of patrons understand the consequences involved with drug use and possession,” Senior Sergeant Cochrane said.
He warned that transit police and PSOs would also be at Bendigo Railway Station and on return services to Melbourne.
They will issue penalty notices to anyone caught doing the wrong thing. Common offences include:
- Drinking liquor on any vehicle or premises – $389
- Possessing open container of liquor – $233
- Using indecent, obscene, offensive or threatening language – $311
- Behaving in an obscene, offensive, threatening, disorderly or riotous manner – $311
