POLICE have praised the behaviour of those who attended two music festivals in Newcastle at the weekend despite more than 25 people allegedly found in possession of drugs and seven nabbed for supply.
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The ‘This That’ festival was held at Wickham Park on Saturday with its sister festival ‘Scene & Heard’ held the following day at the same location.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District conducted a large police operation with assistance from drug-detection dogs across the two events, which were attended by more than 20,000 people.
On Saturday, a total of 22 Field Court Attendance Notice’s for possession offences were issued and seven for drug supply.
Three people were transported to hospital, including two for drug-related illnesses.
On Sunday, 13 drug detections were made with four people allegedly found to be possessing cannabis and cocaine.
Newcastle City Police Area Command Superintendent and Operations Commander, Brett Greentree, said the majority of festival goers across the weekend were well behaved and enjoyed the events safely.
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“It was really positive to see people having a good time and heeding police warnings,” he said.
“The small number of people who ignored our advice about illegal activity were dealt with accordingly.
“Police worked closely with the promoter to ensure the events were pleasant for everyone.
“Newcastle City Police are committed to providing a safe environment to people attending festivals in this area.”
Police also praised drivers for their decisions with almost 200 fewer people detected drink driving at the end of the weekend’s statewide operation than in the same campaign last year.
Police targeted alcohol-impaired motorists during ‘Operation Drink Drive 2’ – which started on Friday morning and ended Sunday night.
During the 72-hour operation, police conducted 192,592 random breath tests across the state and charged 250 people with drink driving.
In the NSW Police Northern Region, which stretches from the Central Coast to the state’s North Coast, police conducted 29,706 breath tests and made 74 drink drive charges.