Nimbin Hemp Embassy is raided by more than a dozen police and sniffer dogs just one day before its annual Mardi Grass event celebrating cannabis
- About 20 police swarmed the Nimbin Hemp Embassy on Thursday morning
- Sniffer dogs were used on volunteers inside as police executed a search warrant
- The raid comes one day before the town's annual Mardi Grass event
- The festival is a celebration of the town's culture and protest of drug laws
The Hemp Embassy at Nimbin was swarmed with police on Thursday, just a day out from its 'Mardi Grass' celebration.
About 20 officers and several sniffer dogs descended on the building with a search warrant just before 11am.
Everyone inside, about 50 people, were evacuated, with police searching and dogs sniffing each person as they left.
Thursday marked one of the busiest days of the year for the embassy, with their annual 'Mardi Grass' festival only one day away.
About 20 police and sniffer dogs descended on the Nimbin Hemp Embassy on Thursday
The raid took place just one day before Mardi Grass - the town's marijuana themed protest and festival - was set to take place
According to the Hemp Embassy website, Mardi Grass is a 'celebration and rally to protest the drug laws, educate people on the various uses of cannabis (medicinal, industrial, recreational & spiritual) and to celebrate the culture that has grown here over the last 40 years'.
Nimbin was once considered the centre of Australia's marijuana culture, but an increasing police presence has put a strain on the town.
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A string of high-profile arrests in 2015 and 2016 ended a trade that saw Nimbin locals grow and sell kilograms of the intoxicating plant every day.
Locals gathered at the embassy on Thursday as word spread about the raid to protest in song.
One man was seen wearing a hi-vis jumper and carrying a guitar, while others gathered with a umbrellas decorated with a cannabis leaf image and sang a version of 'we will rock you', directed at the officers inside.
Residents gathered in protest at the embassy (pictured on Thursday) as word began to spread about the police raid
Police earlier said they would be out in force over the course of the festival, which goes from Friday to Sunday, targeting illegal drug activity and anti-social behaviour.
Richmond Police District Commander, Superintendent Toby Lindsay, said officers would be keeping an eye out for underage drinking and alcohol related violence, as well as illegal drug use and supply.
'Illicit drugs can have life-threatening effects, especially when a combination of drugs is taken, or they are combined with alcohol,' he said.
'It is not only illegal to possess or take illicit drugs; but those caught face serious consequences.
'We will take appropriate action against anyone who chooses to commit a crime, or behave in an offensive manner.'
A woman identified only as Judy called the operation 'a huge waste of resources'.
'The millions of dollars that goes into this stupid drug war could go to health, education and training... this is so stupid, so counterproductive,' she said.
'What've we got? We've got a police force that does anti-community policing. These guys have far better things to do.'
Nimbin police declined to comment when asked for further information.
Police earlier said they would be out in force for the duration of Mardi Grass, with a focus on illegal drug taking and supply
