AUSTRALIA’S green capital has been raided by the boys and girls in blue.

Nimbin, in far northern NSW, was today subjected to a town-wide drug raid as police officers and sniffer dogs searched locals and tourists for marijuana.

A forensics van was present to perform on-the-spot drug tests and a number of businesses were raided.

media_camera More than 70 NSW Police officers descended on Nimbin today.

Still reeling from a devastating fire that destroyed four of Nimbin’s most iconic buildings last month, locals reacted with outrage at the huge police presence.

“Some people are absolutely disgusted, some people think it’s a joke, some people think it’s an intrusion,” said Mac McMahon from the Nimbin Hemp Embassy.

“They’re an unwelcome presence in the small community. It’s over the top.

“There’s a gaping hole in the middle of town (from the fire) and the community is quite bruised from all this. We don’t need police making a nuisance of themselves.”

media_camera Police have arrested eight people so far with more arrests expected.

media_camera Police arrested eight people in the swoop.

“They seem to be carting off tourists and locals who buy a little bit of marijuana off the street,” said one local.

The drug raids were part of Operation Oleary - established by police following concerns from the local community.

More than 70 police were involved in the raids and eight people were arrested.

Detectives seized two kilograms of cannabis following raids at a cafe and bookstore.

A spokesman denied they were performing on-the-spot drug tests.

media_camera Police seized drugs after cafe and bookshop raided in Nimbin during Operation Oleary.

media_camera Operation Oleary was established by police attached to the Richmond Local Area Command in March 2014 to target cannabis supply in the local community.

media_camera Police seized two kilograms of cannabis after a cafe and bookshop were raided, as part of an ongoing drug operation in the Nimbin area.

A drug dog operation “targeting the entire township” will continue over the coming days.

Richmond superintendent Greg Martin said the raids followed six months of tireless work by his drug unit.

“As a result of this operation, we have dismantled a criminal group we allege was responsible for supplying significant amounts of drugs throughout the Nimbin area,” he said.

“I’m aware of the reputation this area has had for a number of years, in regard to drug use and supply.

“Concerns from members of the community have triggered today’s action, and the results should demonstrate that we are committed to working on this issue.

“Those charged with ongoing drug supply face up to 25 years jail. We will continue to target drug offenders and treat them with the seriousness they deserve.”

media_camera So far eight people have been arrested in the Nimbin area. It’s alleged these people have been involved in the ongoing supply of drugs; including cannabis, LSD, MDMA and prescription medication.

Further arrests and seizures are expected.

Distraught Nimbin residents awoke on August 13 to find the famous Nimbin Museum and Rainbow Café razed by fire.

The two premises were tourist attractions and both paid homage to Nimbin’s legendary hippie culture.

Long known for its laid-back lifestyle and liberal attitude to drugs, Nimbin attracts thousands of visitors annually to its cafes and galleries.