“We are also asking festival-goers to look out for each other and to seek help immediately if someone appears unwell”
The PSNI is urging festival-goers to keep prioritising their safety when attending music events across Northern Ireland.
Key safety messages include planning your journey home in advance, staying with friends and, importantly, being aware of the serious dangers and consequences associated with illegal drugs.
Police say they want everyone to enjoy their day and ensure that “a much-anticipated outing is memorable for the right reasons”.
PSNI Alistair Hagan said: “We want everyone to have an enjoyable and memorable time – and to remember it for all the right reasons
“Working alongside event organisers and health partners, we want festival-goers to stay safe. Simple steps can make a real difference: plan how you will get home before you set off, stay with your friends, and look out for one another.
“I also want to be very clear about the serious, potentially life-changing, risks of taking or supplying illegal drugs. No drugs are safe. The truth is that any illicit drug can have an unknown concoction of ingredients and, put simply, you won’t know what you are actually taking in terms of either components or strength.
“The risks of taking any drugs, or drugs combined with alcohol, are therefore huge. And the sad reality is that the effect can be fatal. Anyone found using or supplying illegal drugs, may face arrest and prosecution. A moment of experimentation, or giving in to peer pressure, can therefore have irreversible consequences for your health, wellbeing and future.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch and Belfast Local Policing Teams with the support of Organised Crime Task Force partners, are carrying out proactive operations across the city.
While collective efforts to tackle illicit drugs are ongoing throughout the year, there is an intensified focus throughout the summer concert season.
Superintendent Hagan continued: “Our proactive policing operation at major festivals includes high-visibility patrols, with stop and search activity at venues and the surrounding areas.
“Amnesty bins will be available at entrance points, allowing people to dispose of substances safely and anonymously.”
He added: “While our primary role is to enforce drug legislation, we are also asking festival-goers to look out for each other and to seek help immediately if someone appears unwell.”
A summer campaign by the independent charity Crimestoppers, using strategically-placed posters and social media messaging, aims to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and encourage people to report information anonymously.
Information can be provided to Crimestoppers, with complete anonymity, by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Support services for anyone affected by drugs or alcohol are available at www.DrugsAndAlcoholNI.info
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