Revellers are warned to think twice before taking drugs to this year’s Staffordshire V Festival.
Police, using passive drugs dogs, and stewards will be searching festival-goers as they enter the Weston Park site from August 19 to 21.
DNA taken
People found in possession of drugs will be arrested and drugs confiscated, say police. DNA and fingerprints will be taken and kept on record. Illegal drugs will be analysed on site and offenders could be put before the next available court.
Entry condition
A condition of entry for V2005 means that all festival-goers must allow themselves to be searched by police or security staff if requested. Drug amnesty bins will be provided on entry to the festival while a mobile drugs laboratory and a laptop drugs-identifying machine will help officers establish the identity of substances seized.
Police remind people that although cannabis has been re-classified as a Class C drug, it is still illegal to possess.
What they say
Chief Insp Peter Taylor, one of the event commanders, said: “We are working closely with the organisers to ensure that V Festival 2005 is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, including festival-goers and members of the local community. Drug dealing and misuse will not be tolerated and people possessing drugs with intent to supply will be dealt with firmly.”
Txt vfest
Anyone with information on drugs at the festival is urged to use a text messaging service set up to gather crime information. People should text “vfest”, then their message, to 60066 or email [email protected]
Or, festival-goers can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
