Police drug test Northbridge bouncers, claims crowd controllers being ‘corrupted’ by bikies to peddle drugs

Police are randomly drug testing security guards in Perth’s party precinct amid fears bikie gangs are utilising bouncers to distribute drugs in nightclubs. Officers descended on Northbridge last weekend to drug test crowd controllers at bars and clubs, saying it was the first of many operations that will target the profession. Some 22 crowd controllers were tested, with two returning positive results for illicit drugs. WA Police Inspector Doug Stjepic said intelligence received by police suggested bikie gangs were using crowd controllers to help peddle drugs to venues’ patrons. “While the vast majority of licensed crowd controllers do the right thing, intelligence holdings suggest outlaw motorcycle gangs and other criminal networks are targeting those few crowd controllers who are more susceptible to being corrupted to aid them in their distribution of illicit drugs to patrons of licensed venues and public events,” he said. “It is also believed some of those involved are paid in-kind with illicit drugs for their own use, increasing the potential for them to be under the influence of drugs while at work.” Insp. Stjepic said the targeting of crowd controllers was an “important step towards maintaining public confidence in the security industry and ensuring the public is kept safe”. “Depending on where they work, licensed crowd controllers are expected to be able to make quick decisions that impact on the safety of people, particularly at licensed venues and public events, and it is important their ability to perform their duties lawfully and safely is not compromised due to being under the influence of illicit drugs,” he said. “In many circumstances, licensed crowd controllers also rely on each other do their job safely.” Inspector Stjepic added that the recent operation “reinforced” the importance for more testing. Police say more than 14,000 licensed crowd controllers are employed WA who work at licensed venues, private businesses and public events.