Six Hospitalised Due To Suspected Drug Overdoses At Sydney Festival

Hardstyle electronic music festival Midnight Mafia has seen a number of drug-related arrests and hospitalisations over the weekend. 

Police have released a statement saying four people were charged with serious drug supply, 32 were charged with possession, eight were issued drug criminal infringement notices and six were taken to hospital for suspected drug overdoses. 

More than 8,000 punters attended the Harder Styles United event at Sydney Showground, which ran from 4pm to midnight on Saturday 11 May. Police confirmed a large police operation was conducted. Officers and drug detection dogs searched 272 people. 165 attendees required medical treatment. 

135 MDMA caps were seized from the four charged with supply. Another punter was found with $41,000 cash on his person and charged for dealing with the proceeds of crime. 

South West Metropolitan Region Operations Manager, Detective Superintendent Jason Weinstein, said "those intent on bringing illicit drugs into these events will be caught, charged and put before the courts".

The festival had posted a statement on Facebook prior confirming a police drug detection operation would be in place and stated, "Don't be a drug mule."

The Music has reached out to Harder Styles United for comment.