Security ramped up for Juicy Fest festival amid mass overdose fears
A woman is in a critical condition after a suspected drug overdose at Juicy Fest music festival — a week after a mass overdose at a rave in the same location — while two men have been charged with drug offences.
Police & Courts
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A woman is in a critical condition after a suspected drug overdose at a Melbourne music festival.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed the woman, in her 30s, was being treated for suspected substance abuse at Juicy Fest at Flemington Showgrounds.
Another female in her late teens was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition, also for suspected substance abuse, while a man in his 30s was assessed but emergency transport or treatment wasn’t required.
Several patrons were treated for heat related symptoms but none required an ambulance.
The reports comes one week after eight revellers overdoses at Hardmission Festival.
Earlier on Friday, police and security measures were visibly ramped up to prevent another disastrous mass overdose.
Dozens of police and sniffer dogs descended at the Flemington Showgrounds just after 1pm, swarming crowds waiting to enter.
Several festivalgoers were searched for drugs, with police allegedly seizing a huge stash of goods from one keen reveller.
Two sniffer dogs were seen greeting the festival goers and numerous pat-down searches were conducted outside.
Security hired by venue management seemed less phased about searching crowds, briefly peering into handbags before granting entry.
Police on Saturday confirmed that two men had been arrested at the festival.
A 26-year-old Sydenham man and a 28-year-old Reservoir man were both charged with drug offences.
A police spokesperson has said that despite the arrests, Victoria Police were happy with the behaviour of the other festival goers.
“(We) would like to thank attendees for heeding the advice regarding heat-related distress and safety.”
The Sydenham man will appear at Sunshine Magistrates Court on April 12 while the Reservoir has been released pending summons.
One festival patron said he noticed “s — loads” of security and police outside the venue.
“To be honest, it’s pretty intimidating, but I guess only if you had something to worry about,” Jason said.
“This crowd is a whole lot different to last weekend’s though — if the Hardmission Festival was rated a 10, this wouldn’t even be a five.
“They’re just completely different crowds.”
Others said they only noticed a slight increase in police presence when compared to other major events.
“There was a few cops, more than I was expecting, it’s good,” one said
“It’s pretty standard though, nothing crazy.”
A handful of patrons were taken to the event’s medical tent as temperatures reached 33C.
The beefed-up response comes after last weekend’s Hardmission Festival at the same venue where nine revellers all aged in their teens and 20s overdosed on MDMA, with eight of those placed into an induced coma.
Four people remain in a critical condition, including three men aged in their 20s and a woman aged in her late teens.
Police on Wednesday warned of a security increase at Juicy Fest.
“Victoria Police continue to make inquiries following reports a number of people were taken to hospital seriously unwell while attending a music festival in Flemington on Saturday 6 January,” a spokeswoman said.
“Victoria Police will not tolerate any behaviour that compromises the public’s safety and will also have an increased presence at a music festival this week in Flemington on 12 January.
“Police want people to have a good time and attendees should watch out for their mates to ensure everyone has a safe festival experience and for anyone intending to take illicit drugs, we simply say don’t do it.”
Crowds sweltered through temperatures exceeding 30C, keeping cool under makeshift sprinklers scattered throughout the site.
Juicy Fest organisers said they would not tolerate the use of illicit drugs and warned festival goers of the increased security measures.
“Security staff are entitled to search; pat down or metal detect any patron upon entry. Any person not compliant will be refused entry or removed from the event without refund,” they said prior to the event.
“Vic Police, Security, Safety and Venue staff will be on-site throughout the day to assist.
“Medical crews consisting of paramedics and first responders will be present inside the Grand Pavilion to attend to any health issues you may have, whether it’s a band aid, sunscreen or something more ominous.”
Organisers also dedicated a “chill-out space” where those feeling the effects of drugs or alcohol could “safely ride it out”.
“Dancewise will also have a chill-out space within the Grand Pavilion (for) if you are slightly alcohol or drug affected and want to safely ride it out without going to First Aid,” they added.
“Juicy management encouraged you to come say hi and grab a chair. Dancewise are Judgement free, are experienced in providing advice on drugs and alcohol use and liaise with First Aid to ensure you are as safe as possible.
“Their primary focus is Harm Reduction of patrons.”
Juicy Fest is the biggest Hip Hop and R & B festival in the southern hemisphere and showcased worldwide talent including T Pain, Ashanti and Trey Songz among others.
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