129 Drug Arrests At Sydney Listen Out; Police Praise Partygoers' Behaviour

NSW Police have commended the behaviour of people attending the Listen Out festival in Sydney on Saturday.

With an estimated 25,000 in attendance, a police statement issued on the weekend seemed to indicate that number of arrests made on the day were small given the big crowd numbers.

Police had organised a massive operation to coincide with the festival. The operation included officers from the Central Metropolitan Region, the Public Order & Riot Squad, the Dog Unit, the Mounted Unit, the Licensing Police and Police Transport Command.

Overall 129 drug-related arrests were made: 116 people are alleged to have been found in possession of illicit drugs while an additional 13 people were arrested and charged with alleged drug supply offences.

Police also reported that five people were charged with dealing in proceeds of crime offences; three for alleged assault and three for alleged assault of police offences; six people for allegedly resisting police in the execution of duty; five people for hindering police; two trespass offences, seven for 'fail to quit' and one person was alleged to have produced fraudulent identification.

However, Operation Commander, Superintendent Karen McCarthy said police were "happy with the overall behaviour of attendees."

She added, "People need to realise that high-visibility police operations are par for the course at major music festivals. If you bring illicit drugs to these events, chances are you will be caught."

She also praised the promoters, describing Listen Out as "a well-run event."

Police also pointed out that three people were taken to hospital with suspected drug-related issues; and 116 people were treated at the festival by Ambulance Paramedics for a range of medical issues.

The WA leg of the Listen Out festival tour made headlines last week when it was reported that police and security were attacked by fence-jumpers.