First drug seizure made under new decriminalisation laws

It’s alleged a passenger tried to disperse a white powder that was seen on the driver’s seat. Photo: ACT Policing.

Police have seized cash, a blue Holden Commodore and a substance believed to be cocaine at the weekend – the first drug seizure made under the ACT’s enacted drug decriminalisation laws.

Officers were patrolling Lonsdale Street, Braddon, on Saturday (28 October) when they had cause to speak to the occupants of the blue sedan at about 10:20 pm.

Police could see the top of a sandwich bag containing a white powder next to the driver’s seat from where they were standing outside of the vehicle.

It’s alleged the 23-year-old male driver tried to start the vehicle and drive off, but officers were able to remove the key from the ignition.

The man was removed from the sedan and detained.

While the man was speaking with police it’s alleged the front passenger – a 23-year-old woman – tried to get rid of the some white powder that was on the driver’s seat.

At this time the woman and two other passengers, a 30-year-old man and a 28-year-old man, were also removed from the car and searched.

Police seized about 28 grams of a substance suspected to be cocaine, loose white powder from the driver’s seat, cannabis, two clip-seal bags containing suspected cocaine, cash, five mobile phones and the vehicle.

No arrests were made, however investigations are ongoing and charges are expected.

Police will still seize illicit drugs under the decriminalisation laws. Photo: ACT Policing.

While possession of small amounts of certain drug types has been decriminalised in the ACT, drug possession still remains illegal.

Police will still seize illicit drugs if they see them.

Under the new laws, police can issue a health direction or simple drug offence notice (SDON) if a person is found with small amounts of illicit substances, but charges can still be laid if other crimes are suspected to have been committed or the amount seized is above the personal possession limit.