Botanic Gardens in south Belfast is set to play host to the public cannabis smoking event

Police have warned they will "take action" ahead of a public cannabis smoking event being held in Belfast's Botanic Gardens on Friday afternoon.

The Facebook page 'Legalise Cannabis – Northern Ireland' has announced the event 'Botanic Blaze at 4/20' which will take place in Botanic Gardens beginning at 4.20pm.

Nearly 700 people have indicated on Facebook that they plan to attend.

A post on the page reads "Let's all just chill out in Botanic Gardens this 4/20 and enjoy our own dedicated day".

4/20 is a code-term that refers to the consumption of cannabis, especially smoking cannabis around the time 4:20 pm and smoking and celebrating cannabis on the date of April 20.

Chief Inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick said police would also be attending.

“I would remind anyone attending this event that drug and substance misuse is a policing priority," he said.

“Police advice is very straightforward. Do not take illegal drugs and do not take prescription drugs that have not been prescribed to you.

"Local and specialist police officers will take appropriate action if they detect anyone breaking the law at the event this afternoon.”

A similar event is also planned for Derry's Guildhall Square which hosted a public cannabis smoking event on April 20 last year with a heavy police presence.

One person was arrested at the event which was attended by around 200 people.

Belfast Telegraph