Field Day 2015 Sees Record Number Of Drug Arrests

214 people have been arrested in relation to drug offences at Sydney New Year’s Day festival Field Day, a figure police say is “extremely concerning”. The record number is a 50 per cent increase on arrests made at last year’s event, according to police.

Over 24,500 people attended this year’s Field Day, held at The Domain yesterday. Police say a range of drugs, including amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD and ice, were seized. 88 people were ejected from the festival due to intoxication or fence jumping.

Of the drug-related arrests, made with the assistance of drug-detection dogs, three were for drug supply offences. Police allege a 20-year-old woman was found with 75 ecstasy pills, a 21-year-old woman was found with 50 ecstasy tablets, and a 19-year-old man was found to be in possession of 40 ecstasy tablets. All were charged with supplying drugs and have been released on bail pending court appearances on 29th January.

Redfern Region Enforcement Squad Commander, Chief Inspector Stuart Bell, said that, although the vast majority of people behave responsibly, others need to understand that they will not escape detection if they are carrying drugs.

“The drug-dog operation this year resulted in the most arrests police have made during the history of the Festival, which his extremely concerning and shows that some attendees are still not getting the message,” Chief Inspector Bell said.

“Police will continue to run these operations and work with the festival organisers to ensure music-lovers can attend festivals and enjoy themselves in a safe, drug-free environment.”

Police did not provide information on the number of people searched at the festival. Last year’s Field Day festival saw about 140 people arrested over drug-related offences, according to police, and 153 people at the 2013 festival.

Meanwhile, more than 70 people were arrested between two Above & Beyond gigs, held in Sydney’s Moore Park on New Year’s Eve and Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on New Year’s Day yesterday. 31 people were charged with drug offences in Sydney, with six people hospitalised after suspected adverse reactions to drugs.

Field Day 2015 @ The Domain, Sydney / Photos: Ashley Mar

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