Drugs, firearms seized from illegal rave event

DRUGS and unregistered firearms have been seized after a planned rave party was shut-down in Bundagenthis morning.

Just before 11am, police conducted a drug operation and searched a home on Overhead Bridge Rdafter receiving information by the public.

The rave party was due to take place at 1pm in an area of the Bongil Bongil National Park surrounding the home.

During a search of the 65-year-old man's home, police allegedly found ecstasy, cannabis,crystal methylamphetamine, cannabis plants and four unregistered firearms.

Three party-goers - aged 19, 28 and 30 - were found to be in the allegedpossession of ecstasy, crystal methylamphetamine and cannabis.

Cannabis was also seized from two cars as part of a drug-dog operation on surrounding roads.

Coffs-Clarence Crime Manager Detective Inspector Darren Jameson said police have a zero tolerance approach towards illegal rave parties.

"Parties of this nature have raised issues with us in the past - in particular drug use, motor vehicle accidents, damage to national parks including parks being utilised as a toilet," Insp Jameson said.

Insp Jameson said policing of these type of events would continue.

"This is not about stopping young people from enjoying the style of music they have at these rave events, this is all about the hidden drug culture associated with them and keeping people safe," he said.

"These events have shown to be drug-fuelled and while those involved in this culture would deny this, the reality is there are serious risks involved to those who attend these events."

The rave had been organised by a Bellingen-based event management service and a stage area and sound equipment had already been set-up when police arrived.

http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/drugs-firearms-seized-illegal-rave-event/2871354/