Arrests dampen NT smoke-in

Darwin residents opposed to changing the Northern Territory's drug laws have held a protest in a city park lighting what they claim, at just under a metre in length, is Darwin's biggest joint.

The group, called the Network Against Prohibition, says today's event is part of an ongoing campaign against what they claim is the Territory Government's zero tolerance approach to drug use.

Five protesters were arrested, one of those for having a toke on the one-metre joint.

However, the joint was not confiscated because police say it may not have contained marijuana.

Another four people were arrested as the smoke-in began.

Police are yet to confirm what they have been charged with.

The group's Scott White says the joint was lit as a solidarity gesture for Darwin's pot smokers.

Marijuana is decriminalised in the Northern Territory but the Network Against Prohibition claims the Labor Government wants to introduce laws to crack down on dealers who sell small $25 bags from their houses.

They say a more progressive approach is needed.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 20th April 2002
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Website: http://www.abc.net.au
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Copyright: 2002 Australian Broadcasting Corporation