Essex Police officers are taking a zero tolerance approach to drugs at this year’s V-Festival with the help of specialist passive drug screening and pro-active search dogs.
Both uniformed officers and plain-clothed dog handlers from ICTS-GIS canine detection will be patrolling the festival site over the weekend clamping down on drug abuse.
With over 140,000 people expected to attend the two day music event on August 16 and 17 in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex Police is advising music lovers not to bring illegal substances into the venue as they will be found.
Supt Steve Johnson, police co-ordinator for the V-Festival, said: “The possession of cannabis or other illegal substances is a criminal offence and those people found with such drugs could be arrested and face prosecution.
“Essex Police would like to welcome all visitors to Chelmsford and make sure that the V-Festival is a peaceful, crime free and safe event for everyone attending. There will be a high police presence in and around the venue but it is vital that revellers leave all valuables at home and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.”
John Franklin-Webb, ICTS GIS Group Business Development, said: “We are once again proud to be associated with the V-Festival and Essex Police to assist in making the event a safe and enjoyable experience for those attending and to deter drug misuse. We are committed to provide a professional standard of operation to ensure we seamlessly work in partnership with our police colleagues for safer communities.”
