Over winter, the quiet Snowy Monaro region sees more than 1 million visitors, which requires a specially tailored police response. Photo: Facebook Monaro Police.
Seven people have been charged as part of Operation Snow Safe in the Snowy Mountains as the police conducted drug dog checks at resorts over the weekend.
Twenty-three police officers were deployed around the region, allegedly seizing a number of illicit substances including MDMA, cannabis, and cocaine.
The operation ran over Friday (11 July) and Saturday (12 July) and targeted drug detection, enforcement in licensed premises, and road safety in Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass.
Monaro Police District Commander Superintendent Toby Lindsay said people’s behaviour at the snow was generally good.
“The operation over the weekend was a high visibility operation involving police from the Monaro police district, seconded officers from around NSW, the traffic and Highway Patrol and the NSW Police Dog unit,” he said.
“As a result of that operation, 31 persons were searched, six drug detections were actually identified, and seven people were charged across this operation.”
Weekend policing numbers:
- 7 charges laid
- 6 drug detections including 20 MDMA pills, cannabis, cocaine and ketamine seized
- 31 people searched
- 32 licensed premises inspected (on and off the snow fields)
- 3 move on directions issued
- 1 fail to quit
- 35 random breath tests conducted
- 2 PCAS detected
- 1 positive random drug test
- 1 criminal infringement notice issued for fireworks possession
- 2 outstanding warrant offenders arrested.
Police hold several special enforcement operations throughout the season to maintain visibility in the region. Photo: Facebook Monaro Police.
Operation Snow Safe is an annual policing effort run from June to October when the ski fields see around one million people pass through the normally quiet mountain towns of the Snowy Monaro.
Superintendent Lindsay stated that they conducted several special enforcement operations throughout the winter.
“The main focus of Operation Snow Safe is keeping our community safe on and off the slopes. We want people to come and enjoy the snowfields, however drug use or drug distribution won’t be tolerated. Uniformed and plain clothes officers will continue patrolling licensed premises, events and the road networks in and out of the Snowy Mountains Region,” he said.
Monaro Police District Commander Superintendent Toby Lindsay says most people who head to the snow are well behaved. Photo: Nicholas Ward.
Due to the large number of visitors to the area in winter the local police are supported by 10 to 15 extra officers as well as regular support from the Southern Region Licensing Police, the NSW Dog Unit, Southern Region Enforcement Squad, Operational Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and other specialist units.
The superintendent said that for the most part, people were well-behaved.
“Considering the number of visitors that we get to the area, and I was down there myself over the weekend and saw how busy Jindabyne and the resorts were, we’re comfortable with the overall safety of people,” he said.
“But what I say is any offences against people and against road legislation which creates unsafe driving or unsafe street crime is unacceptable.”
As well as drugs and antisocial behaviour, Operation Snow Safe also has a role in speed enforcement, road safety, and alpine rescues.
This season Alpine Rescue has already been involved in five backcountry rescue operations.
Superintendent Lindsay said that while the specifics could be complicated, they had great cooperation from the local community, resorts, and the support of fantastic facilities that allowed them to provide law and order, and search and rescue to the local area.
After a lacklustre snow season last year the Superintendent said it was great to see the town and the region getting so many visitors. His message to the region’s visitors was to always be safe and prepared.
“Please come and enjoy the area, but do so safely. Drive responsibly. Look after yourself and your mates,” he said.
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