Police have praised Groovin The Moo revellers for their good behaviour despite some festival-goers being caught with illicit drugs.
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Police saturated the event with the drug bus and drug dogs, crowd and riot control police, and specialised detectives including the TAG team to ensure the festival was safe for everyone that attended.
Central Hunter police and police from neighbouring commands were involved in the operation.
Central Hunter crime manager Detective Inspector John Zdrilic said there was a positive atmosphere at the event and revellers generally wanted to have a good time, although there were some who wanted to break the law.
Some people were charged with possession of illicit drugs and others were arrested and taken to Maitland police station where they were charged with supplying prohibited drugs.
“There were people who tried to bring illicit drugs – mainly pills – into the festival, and those people will be appearing in court soon,” he said.
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“There are no excuses for taking drugs or bringing them into a festival environment – it is unacceptable behaviour.
“Considering it was a sell out with 16,500 tickets sold the vast majority came to have a good time and enjoy the music and they did that.”
Detective Inspector Zdrilic said police took a firm stance against intoxication and turned anyone anyway who was drunk.
Some revellers had to be taken to the first aid tent during the night because they could not control themselves.
Paramedics provided treatment for a knee dislocation, suspected spinal injury, alcohol overdose, and assisted revellers who were drug affected.
“Our message was simple – if you arrive intoxicated you are not getting in, and we did have to turn some people away,” Detective Inspector Zdrilic said.
He praised licensees at the event for their responsible service of alcohol and said alcohol-related violence was minimal.
“The calibre of the artists was incredible and it was a great thing to have them here in Maitland,” he said.
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