Published • loading... • Updated
NSW Police raiding Oxford Street venues
Police searched 65 people and found 28 drug detections, but the operation produced no charges or arrests, officials said.
- On Saturday, September 12, 2026, NSW Police raided Oxford Street venues including Kinselas, ARQ, and the Columbian Hotel, searching 65 people and securing 28 drug detections but making no arrests or charges.
- The operation occurred while the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission continues a misconduct investigation into a similar June raid, prompting NSW Council for Civil Liberties President Timothy Roberts to call the timing 'unacceptable.'
- Approximately 15 officers entered venues, with patrons describing the raid as 'excessive' and 'intimidating,' while Arq nightclub patron James Twigg said the heavy police presence made attendees feel uneasy.
- Redfern Legal Centre's Rian Terrell stated that repeated drug dog operations 'amount to targeted harassment of the LGBTQIA+ community,' raising concerns that raiding before the LECC investigation concludes undermines accountability.
- Night Time Industries Association vice-chair James Thorpe cited an 'extraordinary disconnect' between the licensing police and Labor's $150 million nightlife vibrancy reforms, while harm reduction volunteers alleged selective targeting of queer venues.
Insights by Ground AI
7 Articles
7 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources7
Leaning Left5Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution83% Left
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources lean Left
83% Left
L 83%
C 17%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
