Man ‘Lucky To Be Alive’ After Stereosonic Collapse

New South Wales Police alleged that a 21-year-old man is “lucky to be alive” after they found 196 people in possession of prohibited drugs across the two days of the Stereosonic festival in Sydney.

More than 81,000 punters came through the gates across both days this weekend past and officers searched 830 people. Out of the 196 people allegedly found in possession of drugs include MDMA, cocaine, cannabis, GHB and Ketamine, 13 were charged with supply and 169 with possession. 14 people received cannabis cautions.

Among 13 people where required medical treatment and were taken to hospital, “most” suffering from "drug-related ailments", one was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. He was found to be not breathing at the event.

He has since been released.

“With more than 220 revellers being charged with drug-related incidents, and one man lucky to be alive, it is distressing that people continue to risk their lives by ingesting unknown substances,” said South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli.

“We do not apologise for targeting illegal drugs, because they pose a very real health risk and can prove lethal.

“These operations are not about us being the fun police. They’re about us making sure revellers can have a good time in a safe, secure and drug-free environment.”

Along with charges made at the event, 38 people were allegedly found in possession and one charged with supply on transport to the festival.

The festival, which also had two days in Perth over the weekend, will continue in Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne this weekend.