Police have praised festivalgoers attending this year’s Bluesfest but condemned what they called ‘an element that persists in bringing illicit drugs to festivals.’
During the five-day event police, including the dog squad, monitored the behaviour of festival patrons and conducted drug searches.
During the operation, police charged 14 people and issued 82 cannabis cautions.
Crime manager, detective chief inspector Brendon Cullen from Tweed/Byron Local Area Command said the majority of festivalgoers were well behaved and had an enjoyable and safe time, however, there are concerns about illicit drugs at festivals.
But he reiterated the police’s zero tolerance approach to drug use at festivals.
‘Using drugs is a behaviour that can lead to critical health issues and criminal records for those caught,’ he said.
‘Tweed/Byron police are committed to providing a safe environment to people attending festivals in this area.
‘Drug detection operations at festivals will continue in both an overt and covert manner in the future,’ detective chief inspector Cullen said.
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