Splendour In The Grass ProfilePolice today have said they are 'disappointed' in the behaviour of punters at the weekend's Splendour In The Grass festival in Byron Bay after they claimed over 400 people - including one employee of the festival itself - were found will illicit substances.
According to police figures 421 people from the 20,000-strong crowd were found in possession of illegal drugs, which included amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD. From that figure 192 will appear in court over possession or supply charges.
Superintendent Stuart Wilkins, the Tweed/Byron Local Area Commander, said that police were kept busy during the festival with alcohol and drug-related incidents.
“Over 400 people were found in possession of prohibited drugs and that is simply unacceptable," he said. "This culture of drug-taking at music events needs to stop."
Police conducted 730 person searches and 30 vehicle searches and also issued 154 cannabis caution notices.
Wilkins said that people went to "extreme measures to get drugs and alcohol into the festival including one employee who was allegedly detected trying to bring liquor and drugs into the event. We also had a 29-year-old woman attempt to smuggle spirits into the festival by hiding containers underneath her top."
Festival organisers Paul Piticco and Jessica Ducrou were unable for comment this evening but are believed to be unaware of the police's attack on the festival.
“Police were there to ensure public safety, not spoil the party but some people were unable to control themselves and treated officers as punching bags," said Wilkins.
The news is in stark contrast to a recent Dutch festival, which allowed weed but not water bottles.
UPDATE: Splendour In The Grass have declined to comment on the allegations. (Tuesday 31 July)
