Sydney MP, lord mayor ask police watchdog to investigate Oxford Street drug raids

The Sydney MP and lord mayor have asked the police watchdog to investigate allegations of aggression and heavy-handedness by officers during a drug operation at Sydney’s Oxford Street on Saturday night.

On Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday morning, police officers with drug detection dogs attended multiple nightlife venues, including popular LGBTQ nightclub Universal, targeting drug supply and antisocial behaviour.

Police say the operation was to improve community safety and that of 93 people searched, there were 42 drug detections. A 20-year-old man was hit with three drug supply charges and will face Downing Centre Local Court in July.

Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said LGBTQ patrons and drag queens complained to him that officers were heavy-handed and aggressive.

Greenwich and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore on Thursday wrote to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission to request an investigation into police actions. In the letter, they reported a significant volume of complaints from constituents who were at multiple Oxford Street venues who said police “pushed, shoved and aggressively directed patrons”.

Greenwich told the Herald members of his community were made to feel like they were being policed simply for attending an LGBTQ venue. Footage from the night shows officers searching and moving on dancers during a performance by popular Sydney drag queen Coco Jumbo, who said on social media she watched the club empty out during her set.

The letter said complaints included patrons being pushed into walls, interrogated for using bathrooms, and police telling partygoers to “f— off”. Greenwich said he had viewed CCTV from one club and was “appalled by the police conduct”.

“We have worked over many years to build strong relationships between police and the LGBTQIA+ community so that people can feel safe to report crimes against them including hate crimes, and we worry that Saturday night’s raid has undermined all that work,” the letter said.

Sydney drag queen Victoria Mami was working at the door of Universal on Saturday night. She claims immediately before a drug detection dog indicated her for a search, an officer said: “Sit.”

She described being asked to take off her shoes, belt and other parts of her costume in full view of her fellow performers and patrons at the club. No drugs were found on her.

“I found the officers’ approach intimidating and the search left me feeling embarrassed, uncomfortable, and unsettled for the remainder of my shift,” she said.

The operation was brought up at a hearing of the NSW parliamentary inquiry into the state of live music earlier this week. Sydney hospitality identity and Odd Culture founder James Thorpe told the inquiry such operations can have major impacts on a venue’s revenue.

“The club emptied out and their revenue – they only did 30 per cent of what they usually do on a Saturday because everybody left,” he said.

NSW Police did not answer questions about the allegations detailed to the LECC. Surry Hills Police Area Commander Peter Glynn said the operation aimed to proactively disrupt drug supply.

“In response to concerns raised through social media and community channels, officers have engaged directly with community and industry stakeholders, including the Surry Hills Liquor Accord and Alex Greenwich MP. These discussions have provided an opportunity to listen to community perspectives, better understand concerns, and provide context regarding the intent and outcomes of the operation,” he said.

When asked how these types of operations impacted the traditionally strained relationship between the police and the LGBTQ community, Police Minister Yasmin Catley said Oxford Street should be vibrant and safe for everyone, and that illegal drugs are illegal “plain and simple”.

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