NSW Police cleared itself of any wrongdoing over the June drug-dog operations at Oxford Street venues. The independent police watchdog has now ordered it to reopen the investigation. Here’s what that means if you were searched that night.
In June 2026, NSW Police conducted a series of drug-detection operations across several venues in Sydney’s Oxford Street precinct, using sniffer dogs and conducting a large number of searches, including strip searches. We covered the legal thresholds that govern these powers at the time in our earlier article on drug dogs and strip searches in NSW. There has now been a significant development: the state’s independent police watchdog has ordered NSW Police to reopen its investigation into the operation, after the force had cleared itself of any wrongdoing.
Following the June operation, NSW Police conducted its own internal review and concluded that no further investigation was warranted, finding no evidence of misconduct or breaches of policy. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC)—the independent statutory body responsible for overseeing police conduct in NSW—has since conducted its own assessment, disagreed with that outcome, and used its statutory powers to direct NSW Police to reopen the investigation.
The complaints that prompted the LECC’s involvement described patrons being searched in venues, including strip searches, with some describing the experience as distressing. The operation reportedly involved 93 searches, with 42 drug detections—but only a small number of those searched were ultimately charged with a supply-related offence, the type of conduct these operations are typically said to target.
The LECC is separate from and independent of NSW Police. Its role is to detect, investigate and expose serious misconduct and maladministration within the police force. Where it disagrees with a decision by police not to investigate a complaint, it has the power to direct that the investigation be reopened—which is what has occurred here. The LECC has not yet made any findings; the outcome of the reopened investigation is yet to be determined.
As set out in our earlier article, an ordinary search requires police to hold a reasonable suspicion based on specific facts—a dog indication alone is not enough. A strip search carries an even higher threshold: reasonable suspicion that the search is necessary, combined with circumstances that are serious and urgent enough to justify it. If either threshold was not met on the night in question, a search may have been unlawful.
If you were searched, and particularly if you were strip searched, during the Oxford Street operation, this development may be relevant to you in a number of ways:
If you were involved in a search during the June Oxford Street operation, it is worth preserving anything that might support your account—notes on the time, location and officers involved, any witnesses, and any footage taken at the time, where it was lawful and safe to record. This is useful whether you are facing a charge, considering a complaint, or considering a civil claim.
Our experienced criminal lawyers can advise you on whether a search you were subjected to met the legal requirements, whether it affects a charge you are facing, and whether you may have grounds for a complaint or a civil claim. Contact NS Criminal Lawyers for a confidential discussion about your situation.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. The LECC’s reinvestigation was ongoing and no findings had been made as at the date of publication. The law referred to is current in New South Wales as at the date of publication. For advice about your circumstances, please contact a qualified criminal defence lawyer.
