Four students have each been handed £10,000 fines for hosting a house party during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The group, all studying at Nottingham Trent University, accused police officers of “spoiling their fun”.
They claimed they should be having the “time of their lives” when officers went to the shared house on Tuesday.
Officers on patrol in Lenton, Nottingham, spotted dozens of people going into the property.
When police spoke to the four housemates they claimed all the revellers had left the house.
But during a search more than 30 people were found hiding in the kitchen, bedrooms and basement.
Nottingham Trent University said the students have all been suspended pending an investigation.
Asst Chief Const Kate Meynell, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This needs to stop.
“The claims that police presented as a barrier to the students’ fun are astounding.
“How many fines do we have to give before the message is understood?
“We do not take pleasure in handing out fines and would much rather be in a situation where students could enjoy themselves.
“But the reality is that if people do not follow the Covid-19 restrictions, more people will die.
“The majority of students are following the rules.
“But there is a significant number who feel as though they can show blatant disregard for the safety of those around them.
“The students were given the opportunity for the situation to end with a warning but instead decided it was appropriate to lie to officers.
“This behaviour will not be tolerated and I urge those who are considering to host parties to think again.”
Nottingham is currently in Tier 2 of the government’s Covid-19 levels and is tipped to soon enter Tier 3.
