Fears over spike in deadly fake drugs at Melbourne music events

Security staff at some of Melbourne’s biggest concerts and music festivals are warning suspected overdoses may be surging due to deadly synthetic drugs.

Rear view of a large group of unrecognizable people at a concert. Their hands are in the air, clapping.

Music festivals and other popular events are becoming “overrun” with deadly synthetic drugs, police and security sources have warned.

Security guards, who work at some of Melbourne’s biggest concerts and festivals, say they have seen a “concerning rise” in suspected overdoses from synthetic drugs.

“It’s just horrible, I saw an overdose this month where a woman was convulsing,” one security worker said.

“On another occasion I saw another woman being taken by ambulance after overdosing. The paramedics have told me that more people are taking synthetic drugs,” the guard added.

It comes after a trance music fan died from a suspected drug overdose after attending the MarLo Altitude rave event on September 16.

The operators of John Cain Arena, Melbourne & Olympic Parks, say police are probing the death of the partygoer.

It’s unclear if the death was related to synthetic drugs, but security workers said partygoers were seen openly ingesting drugs such as cocaine and MDMA.

Many security workers have said they are concerned about working at upcoming rap concerts and rave events, fearing they will witness more overdoses.

A police source, who has worked in the force for more than 15 years, says music festivals and raves are becoming ‘overrun’ with synthetic drugs.

A police source, who has worked in the force for more than 15 years, said music festivals and raves were becoming “overrun” with synthetic drugs.

“We’ve seen a strong demand for these cheap and lethal drugs,” the source said.

“The products are more potent and dangerous than many other illicit drugs on the market.”

The Herald Sun has been told of patrons who attended the MarLo rave suffering allergic reactions to recreational drugs at the event.

At least one attendee was hospitalised as a result of an adverse reaction to what they believed was MDMA.

It is also believed consumers have been hit with price increases of up to 30 per cent for substances they believe are ecstasy, but that are now more often mixed with other chemicals to offset a lack of access to “pure” drugs at a dealer level.

Alcohol and Drug Association acting chief executive Scott Drummond said the organisation had seen an increase in the number of novel psychoactive substances becoming available.

“Not only do these mimic the effects of existing illicit drugs, they are often more powerful and subsequently the potential for harm is greater,” Mr Drummond said.

“For example, in Victoria in recent months Nitazene class drugs have been detected, which are strong synthetic opioids.

“There has also been consistent feedback from a number of our member AOD treatment agencies of a rise in consumption of substances such as synthetic benzodiazepines.”

Mr Drummond said many people were purchasing substances at raves and music festivals, expecting them to be, for instance, MDMA, when they may contain other more powerful drugs.

Experts warn synthetic drugs used in conjunction with other substances can result in significant harm including fatal overdose.

“These substances, used in conjunction with other substances, can result in significant harm including fatal overdose.

“Sadly, we often hear about new synthetic (or novel psychoactive) drugs through pathology tests taken from people in ED or at the morgue.

“However, the ACT (and soon QLD) has implemented a drug checking system where people can have their drugs tested. This means we find out about hazardous new synthetic drugs prior to consumption.”

A Victoria Police spokesman said police worked closely with health and other agencies to reduce the harm, demand, and supply of synthetic drugs, as with all harmful substances.

“Anyone caught producing, selling, or promoting synthetic, psychoactive substances will be charged by police and serious penalties apply,” the spokesman said.

Anyone charged with these offences faces up to two years in prison and/or a fine of around $37,000.

Originally published as Fears over spike in deadly fake drugs at Melbourne music events