Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Australia Could Lose Charm After Major Ecstasy Bust

Participants in the gay and lesbian Mardi Gras over the weekend in Sydney, Australia could be missing something of their usual kick. For the Australian police have announced a major seizure of ecstasy tablets that might have found their way to the Mardi Gras crowd.

Strike Force Boult, a four-month undercover investigation, ended in police from the Surry Hills Regional Enforcement Squad swooping on a McDonalds restaurant to arrest a 22-year-old man.

'Ecstasy' the Drug
Ecstasy is the street name for the psychoactive drug 3,4-MethyleneDioxy-N-MethylAmphetamine or MDMA. A part of the rave culture, it provides relaxation and helps to dance the night away.

Ryan Kirkbride, from Wentworthville, was charged with selling a large commercial supply of a prohibited drug.

Police will allege Mr Kirkbride was organising the supply of 2000 ecstasy pills for Saturday's Mardi Gras.

Worth about $80,000 on the streets, police, more importantly, believe the arrest has ended a valuable supply chain to this weekend's gay parade.

Drug Abuse Screening Test
Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) is a screening test to find out if you need professional help with ‘Drug Abuse’ problem. This is only an anonymous self test.

New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Catherine Burn hailed the bust as a significant blow ahead of the parade.

"We will be alleging that the drugs were destined for the Mardi Gras parade," Ms Burn told The Daily Telegraph last night.

Australia's Gay Mardi Gras Expected to Attract Huge Crowds
Up to 300,000 people are expected to line Sydney's streets to watch the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Saturday as the largest gay pride march in the Asia Pacific region marks its 30th anniversary.

"The disruption of this drug supply chain has put a dent into the market and it will reduce the amount of drugs available.

"It's essential that people understand we are going to target drug crime up to and including the Mardi Gras parade."

Australians Hostile to Gay and Lesbian Events
Participants in major gay or lesbian events suffer acute hostility from the Australian public.

Strike Force Boult was formed last October, targeting large scale ecstasy supply in the Sydney area.

Police will allege Kirkbride sold a large commercial quantity of ecstasy to an undercover officer numerous times during the investigation.

It culminated last night with his arrest for organising the sale of a further 2000 pills.

A large amount of pills were allegedly found in Kirkbride's car after his arrest.

"There is a link to the Mardi Gras," Mrs.Burns said. "It's a win for the NSW Police force just before a major event in Sydney."

More than 10,000 gays and lesbians are expected to march in the Mardi Gras, Australian reported.

Source-Medindia
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