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Coronavirus crisis: Men stop during Melbourne construction worker rally snort substance

Melissa IariaNCA NewsWire
Not Supplied
Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia

Two men in hi-vis gear have been filmed appearing to snort a substance during Melbourne’s violent rally.

The disorder erupted on CBD streets on Tuesday near the headquarters of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and led to violent clashes with police.

The construction worker protest swelled to thousands as protesters marched through the CBD before blocking the West Gate Freeway, bringing traffic to a halt as police tried to disperse the crowd.

A video filmed through a window shows two men in high-vis work gear and baseball caps appearing to snort a substance in a secluded spot as construction workers march across the street.

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One of the men then looks over his shoulder to see if anyone is looking and the video camera quickly pans away.

Riot police deployed tear gas and fired rubber bullets to try and control the chaotic rally and police were also attacked as protesters pelted police with glass bottles and flares.

Assignment Freelance Picture Tradies snort a mysterious substance at Monday's Melbourne protests.
Camera IconThe men in high vis were filmed through a window at Monday's Melbourne protests. Credit: News Corp Australia

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said he was aware of the video, but had no official reports of drug taking throughout the day at Tuesday’s protest.

“I don’t know what they were under the influence of, other than anger,” Mr Patton told reporters late on Tuesday.

“I’m aware of the so-called footage.

“If that’s factual, I think it goes to demonstrate the type of cowardly approach we’re talking to, if people have to take some drugs to get the courage to come up and do what they normally wouldn’t do.

“I believe there was alcohol consumed but other than that, I’m not aware of any other substances.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews issued a stern warning to protesters following the violent scenes.

“Can I say at the outset that the ugly scenes that we saw yesterday are not only appalling, they’re unlawful,” the Premier told reporters on Wednesday.

“Victoria Police will take action against those who did the wrong thing yesterday.

“There were some people there who you would say were from the building industry. There were others who were not from the building industry. They’re not there to protest, they’re there for a fight.”

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Camera IconA video still of the two men during the protests. Supplied Credit: Supplied

Victoria Police have made 62 arrests, with several people charged with assaulting officers.

Most of those arrested were fined more than $5000 each for breaching public health orders.

Police have warned there will be more arrests.

Originally published as Men stop during Melbourne construction worker rally snort substance

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