Police disappointed by drug increase at Secret Garden Festival

POLICE are concerned about the level of drug use at the Secret Garden Party with revellers caught with MDMA, LSD, cocaine, mushrooms and cannabis.

Revellers enjoy the second day of Secret Garden Music Festival at Brownlow Hill. Photo: Brianne Makin

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POLICE say they are concerned about the level of drug use at the Secret Garden Party over the weekend.

During the two day festival at Brownlow Hill, officers searched 255 people and 148 cars, resulting in 36 detections of prohibited drugs, including MDMA, LSD, cocaine, mushrooms and cannabis.

Over the course of the festival, 44 people were ejected for intoxication, eight for underage drinking, and five were treated for suspected drug overdoses.

Only two drivers tested positive to breath-tests, but more than 20 tested positive to drug tests.

Police attend the second day of Secret Garden Music Festival. Photo by Brianne Makin

Camden local area commander, superintendent Ward Hanson, said that despite all the warnings issued by police, it was disappointing to see people still brought drugs into the festival.

“There was a significant increase in the number of people who were detected attempting to bring prohibited drugs into the festival, even though police issued a number of warnings prior to the event,” Sup Hanson said. “Many festival goers believe it’s safe to consume drugs at a festival — They are wrong. Not only are these drugs illegal, but they can be incredibly harmful and even life-threatening.

“Drug driving is extremely dangerous, and puts the driver, passengers, and other road users at an extreme risk by this reckless and stupid behaviour.”

The unique festival that takes place in Brownlow Hill. Photo: Brianne Makin