Police report 148 drug charges at Splendour in the Grass Festival at North Byron Parklands over the weekend.
Investigations continuing into the alleged sexual assault of an 18-year-old woman about 11pm yesterday (Sunday, July 22).
They have also charged two men with assault.
A 42-year-old man was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and trespass after allegedly threatening a security guard with a plank of wood, before kicking him just before 11pm on Saturday (July 21). The man is due to appear in Byron Bay Local Court on September 11.
As earlier reported, an 18-year-old Queensland man was charged with assaulting a police officer at the gate on Saturday evening as well as drug offences.
A man allegedly carrying almost 60 MDMA tablets is one of more than 100 other people charged with drug offences at the annual event, which attracted 37,000 festival-goers.
Drug dogs, mounted police and the riot squad were just part of the police presence on site the North Byron Parklands venue from Thursday (July 19) up until today.
During the operation, 115 people were issued Field Court Attendance Notices for 148 drug offences, including two people charged with supplying a prohibited drug.
A 25-year-old man was allegedly found in possession of 57 MDMA tablets and cash. He was charged with possess prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug and deal with proceeds of crime. He was refused bail to face Tweed Heads Local Court today (Monday 23 July 2018).
Police also issued 38 cannabis cautions and five youth cautions.
Tweed/Byron Police District Commander Detective Superintendent Wayne Starling praised the good behaviour of the majority of festival-goers, but added ‘it’s disappointing we continue to detect the possession and supply of prohibited drugs.
‘Not only is it a serious criminal offence, it is also harmful to your health and you simply do not know what you are taking.
‘The safety of music fans attending the festival is and continues to be our number one priority,’ Supt Starling said.’
Meanwhile, police are urging people commencing their journey home to travel safely on the roads.
‘With thousands of festival-goers leaving today, allow extra travel time, expect delays and make sure you take regular rest breaks,’ Supt Starling said.
‘Our Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be cracking down on motorists who refuse to obey the road rules.’
