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Music

Melbourne Police Create "Secret Hit List" to Target 30 Nightclubs for Drugs and Alcohol

The efforts stem from an incident in January in which three people died and more than 20 were hospitalized due to suspected MDMA overdoses.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Melbourne's Herald Sun reports that local police have created a "secret hit list" of 30 nightclubs being monitored for drug and alcohol breaches.

According to the newspaper, local police have formed a coordinated effort to address use of popular drugs, including ecstasy and cocaine, at venues on the popular Chapel St.

"Police are hand-picking "clubbing cops" who are aged 18 to 25 and sending them in to catch dealers, users and to gather intelligence," the Herald Sun reports.

The paper also reports that local police will use, "taxis, Uber cars and bylaw officers," for their efforts.

The increased efforts began after three people died and more than 20 were hospitalized due to suspected MDMA overdoses in January at the local Revolver Upstairs nightclub.

In February, more than 20 people were hospitalized during Melbourne's electric Parade Music Festival after reportedly consuming synthetic GHB. Last May, Melbourne police also reportedly purchased $67,000 worth of drugs at a nightclub before raiding the venue.