New NSW law used to close business, search without warrants
The NSW Police force has issued a press release describing their use of new legislation that allows them to close business premises and conduct warrantless searches for drugs.
Superintendent Peter Lennon, Acting Local Area Commander said police closed down the Karma Cafe for 72 hours under the newly enacted Short Term Closure - Restricted Premises Act. "Under this Act, police can order any business premises suspected of supplying or keeping prohibited drugs to close for a maximum 72 hours," Supt Lennon said. [...] "We are seeking a declaration order from the District Court allowing police to enter the Karma Cafe without a warrant to conduct further searches. [...] The new legislation was designed at the instigation of Kings Cross Police and Police Minister Michael Costa giving police more powers to target drug dealers and premises suspected of being used to sell prohibited drugs to the public. The new legislation came into effect on Sunday February 9, 2003. Within 48 hours it was used for the first time when Kings Cross police executed a closure order on the Karma Cafe. - NSW Police, Kings Cross Police Use New Law To Close Down Karma Cafe.