FORTY revellers were charged with drug offences at the weekend’s Subsonic Music Festival near Dungog.
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The majority of those charged were found in possession of amphetamines, LSD and Ketamine, cannabis and ecstasy.
Three people were also charged with supplying a prohibited drug, while one person was charged with being in possession of a laser pointer.
Sixteen people were charged with drug offences at last year’s festival.
The annual bush rave is held at Riverwood Downs, Monkerai, about 26 kilometers north-east of Dungog, and attracts music lovers from across the state.
Port Stephens police, with the assistance of the dog unit, swooped on the festival on Friday and Saturday nights.
Port Stephens Local Area Command commander Chris Craner said it was disappointing festival goers were still breaking the law and putting their lives at risk by supplying and consuming illicit drugs.
“Police are disappointed and shocked with the number of people carrying drugs and personally putting their own health and the health of others at risk," Superintendent Craner said.
“Consuming a prohibited drug is extremely dangerous – you don’t know what is in the drug, how and where it has been manufactured, or what effects it can have on your body.
“Port Stephens Local Area Command officers will continue to arrest people in possession of or supplying prohibited drugs at these events.
"The illegal activities at these events will put the future of any such event in this area in serious jeopardy," he said.
Among those charged was a 30-year-old Erskineville man who was stopped and searched on Saturday. Police allege they located a quantity of LSD on him.
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with supply of an indictable quantity of a prohibited drug. He was granted bail and will appear at Raymond Terrace Court on January 9, 2017.
Most of the others charged will appear in Dungog court on January 11, 2016.
Police also issued two cannabis cautions at the event.
The event’s website described the festival as: “it’s sweet, it’s spice, and it’s mixed with beats, grooves, all things nice. Subsonic Music Festival 2016’s 2nd round artist announcement packs some seriously strong punch.
The festival wrapped up at 10pm on Sunday night.
