Police Allege Punters Being Used To Smuggle Drugs Into Music Festivals By Crime Bosses

Police will allege in court that punters are being "groomed" by crime bosses to smuggle drugs into music festivals.

As The Daily Telegraph reports, it comes after nine people were arrested and accused of attempting to smuggle MDMA pills into Sydney's Midnight Mafia rave this month, including a 21-year-old marketing and social media officer, who was allegedly carrying 294 grams of MDMA in almost 1600 capsules.

Police believe young festival attendees are being enticed by crime bosses due to their clean records and promise of quick cash payments and are convinced to hide the drugs on their person before handing them over once inside the festival. 

"People, particularly women, should be aware they can and will be groomed in carrying drugs for organised crime networks and individuals," Drug and Firearms Squad commander, Detective Superintendent Peter McErlain said.

"But at the end of the day, if they are caught, they will be discarded by them like pieces of rubbish."

Police will allege in court that all nine women arrested at Midnight Mafia were being used as mules. 

Another 19-year-old was also caught with 200 MDMA capsules, which she "wrapped in several condoms concealed in her person".

"I am very concerned about how many young girls are being lured into this," Detective Chief Inspector Gus Viera said.

"They meet through friends, they think it’s a quick profit being paid on the night and that will be the end of it, well it won’t. We’re asking their friends and family to question them before they go out."