NSW Police have confirmed that there will be a high-visibility police operation, including specialist command support and the Police Dog Unit, taking place at this weekend's Splendour In The Grass festival, targeting the use and supply of illegal drugs, alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.
“As we have done in previous years, police have been working closely with event organisers and stakeholders to ensure the safety of all event staff, performers and music fans throughout the festival," said Tweed/Byron Police District Commander, Superintendent Dave Roptell.
“Festival-goers who choose to do the wrong thing not only compromise their own safety, but also risk the safety of others around them. Those who bring illegal drugs into the festival can expect to be caught and dealt with accordingly.
“Prohibited drugs are illegal and potentially life-threatening, especially when combined with alcohol, so I urge everyone to behave responsibly. Anyone under the influence, or who feels unwell, is urged to seek professional medical attention.
“We want Splendour to be an incident-free event. We will be there to uphold the law and ensure the safety of all festival-goers. Be warned that if you choose to break the law, disrupt other festival-goers, or create issues for the local community – you can expect to be arrested."
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers will also be targeting speeding, drink-and-drug-driving and other dangerous driving behaviours.
The warning comes just a day after Splendour In The Grass urged their patrons to "party safe" at this year's event.
"Nobody thinks it will be their name on the news, but in the past year, an alarming number of people have lost their lives to drugs at music festivals," reads a post to the festival's Facebook page.
"Splendour is almost here, and while you’re dreaming about all the good times ahead, it’s important that you plan to party safe…"
"PARTY SAFE. Be prepared and make safe choices. If something doesn’t feel or look right head to a medical tent, notify security, event staff or call the Patron Safety Hotline (1300 940 928, or find it in the app).
"Know the signs and act if you see them - fluctuating body temperature, collapse, fitting, vomiting, altered state of mind, rapid breathing, sweating, difficulty communicating, unconsciousness or simply feeling unwell. Trust your instinct. Never hesitate to seek help from the medical team, they are here to assist you without judgement."
See the full post below.
Splendour In The Grass takes place this weekend at the North Byron Parklands in Byron Bay.
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