Police have commended festivalgoers who attended NSW’s Strawberry Fields over the weekend for their behaviour despite a number of drug-related charges and arrests.
After a four day drug operation, 27 people were charged with possession of illegal substances while a further five were charged with supply. Among those charged was a 20 year old-man who was found with 139 MDMA capsules in a vehicle and a 21 year-old man who carrying 122 ‘star’ shaped ecstasy tablets.
Police also conducted around 750 random drug and alcohol tests with 31 people returning positive preliminary results.
Despite this, police were generally happy with the behaviour of punters over the weekend.
“Police were happy with the majority of festival revellers who behaved well, enjoyed the festival safely and respected other attendees,” said inspector John Aichinger, Deniliquin Local Area Command Duty Officer.
“However, the 27 drug charges, 23 cannabis cautions issued and five charges of supplying drugs shows there are still some who think they can get away with possessing, transporting and trading illicit drugs.”
Police further said that “event organisers were very co-operative,” and they will continue to work with them to create “a safe, drug-free environment” in the future.
This year’s Strawberry Fields lineup featured George Fitzgerald, Leftfield, FKJ, Moodyman and plenty more.
Watch: Strawberry Fields 2015 Aftermovie
