Metal detectors were in use by police at the Wangaratta Magistrates' Court on Thursday to ensure a drugs case did not get out of hand.
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Police used the handheld metal detectors to check lawyers and the public going into the courtroom and waiting for their case outside the courthouse.
Magistrate Annabel Hawkins ordered police put the extra security measures in place when she arrived at court to see a large crowd of people out the front.
The drug case involved 27 people with matters before the court, many who were joined by lawyers, friends and family.
Security screening is not standard practice at the Wangaratta Courthouse, but police have the power and the equipment available.
A spokeswoman from the court said the metal detectors were a one-off event in this case to ensure the security if the court was not compromised.
Officers said they did not find anything that posed a risk during the security screening.
