Ganja swoop on Hill

Police cracked down on the “high” number of patrons seeking to sneak in marijuana during Sunday’s Reggae On The Hill at Farley Hill National Park.

As thousands took in the vibes at the final event of the annual Barbados Reggae Festival, officers swooped in nabbed many before they made it past the gates.

Police public relations officer Acting Inspector Rodney Inniss told the NATION yesterday there were 21 arrests during the event, but up to press time he was unable to say how many were drug-related.

An officer who was on duty at the St Peter venue said they were concerned about the number of people who had marijuana on them. He suggested that it was more alarming than in previous years.

Al Gilkes, director at FAS Promotions, producers of Reggae On The Hill, also confirmed the arrests and said the police did their jobs.

“People will try to do what they want to do but the police were more vigilant than I’ve seen them before in terms of ensuring that as little marijuana as possible got on the premises.

“There were at least two drug-sniffing dogs at the entrance and a few people were caught in possession with small quantities of marijuana. They were arrested and charged as far as I am aware,” Gilkes added.

Before performing Medical Marijuana, Queen Ifrica said she usually did not get involved with politics, but was very vocal in her support of the legalisation of cannabis. She linked it to a decrease in crime and increased revenue.

Gilkes said that though FAS Promotions did not encourage such statements, they were not unheard of in entertainment. “It’s not something new, it’s something that has been going on for a few years.  

“However, our focus is mainly on making sure that no lewd lyrics are sung and all the performers are warned about keeping it clean.” (TG)