[420 Girl]

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.

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