Six arrests as marijuana fans light up in Hyde Park
SIX arrests were made after thousands of marijuana users gathered in a London park for an annual drug “celebration”.
They took part in the “unauthorised” so-called “420” rally in Hyde Park yesterday to call for the drug to be decriminalised in front of Metropolitan Police officers.
A Met Police spokesman said: “We have made six arrests, for possession of a knife as a man entered the park, possession of a knuckle duster, driving under the influence of drugs, assault on police, possession of cannabis and an offender wanted under a court warrant.
“We have issued eight community resolution orders for possession of cannabis, seized one sound system and closed down 15 more.
“Two Section 35 dispersal notices under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 are in place for areas of the park.”
Cannabis is a class B drug and the maximum sentence for possession is five years’ imprisonment.
‘The Royal Parks has not given permission for this unauthorised assembly; it is in breach of regulations’
Medical experts have said that longterm use of marijuana can result in temporary psychosis, including hallucinations, and paranoia along with long-lasting mental disorders, including schizophrenia.
A magistrates’ court can impose a fine of up to £2,500 and a prosecution for supplying or producing an illicit drug can result in a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
A spokesman for Royal Parks told the Daily Mail beforehand: “The Royal Parks has not given permission for this unauthorised assembly in Hyde Park, and it is in breach of the Royal Parks’ regulations.
“The police are aware that this unauthorised assembly is due to take place and have advised that people may be liable for prosecution or arrest.”
The name 420 was first said to have been established in California during the 1970s by five San Rafael High School students, including Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz and Mark Gravich.
The phrase “420” came up during their time at school as it was the time in which they were reported to get together to smoke cannabis.