ABC News
Police catch almost 100 people with drugs at Sydney Field Day music festival
Police have caught almost 100 people with drugs at a Sydney music festival on New Year’s Day.
Key points:
- Police arrested two men and one woman for drug supply offences
- More than 27,000 people attended the festival
- More than 90 people were allegedly found in possession of illicit drugs
Revellers at Field Day, held on Sunday, were met with teams of covert and in-uniform police officers targeting anti-social behaviour and illegal drugs.
More than 27,000 people filled Sydney’s The Domain for the multi-stage electronic dance festival.
A total of 97 people were allegedly found in possession of illicit substances like MDMA, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, ketamine, and, psilocybin — more commonly known as magic mushrooms.
Of those 97 people, three were arrested for drug supply offences.
A 21-year-old man arrested was allegedly in possession of 15 MDMA capsules, another person was found with nine capsules, and a 25-year-old woman was in possession of five MDMA capsules.
“In total, police issued 15 court attendance notices, two infringement notices, 13 cannabis cautions, and 58 criminal infringement notices were issued,” NSW Police said in a statement.
The police operation saw 204 searches by drug dogs outside the gates.
Field Day organisers said bag searches were mandatory on entry, and the health and safety of patrons was their “top priority”.
They said the event had a dedicated team set up to help people party safely.
“Their key role was to create a peer-based, safe and non-confrontational line of communication with patrons to provide them with harm-minimisation strategies when it comes to the use of drugs and alcohol, along with providing water, sunscreen and other basic amenities,” they said.
“All authorities present commented on excellent crowd behaviour and a welcome return to music festivals post-COVID.”
