DRUG dogs will be out in force at next weekend’s Eden Festival and police are warning festival goers they risk being arrested if caught with illegal substances.
The Eden Festival opens its gates at Raehills Meadow next Thursday to an expected crowd of over 9000 music fans.
Superintendent Mark Hollis is the event commander for the Eden Festival.
He said: “I am delighted that the event is almost upon us again.
“The organisers, the emergency services and the many agencies involved have packed in a huge amount of work during months of planning to deliver what will hopefully be another tremendous festival.”
He added: “We want those attending the festival to look after themselves, have respect for others and be mindful that what is against the law in Scotland is also against the law within any festival venue in Scotland.
“Police Scotland will adopt the same pro-active approach to the dealing and misuse of drugs at The Eden Festival as we do across the rest of Scotland.”
He has warned that new psychoactive substances (NPS), aka legal highs, have been proved to be dangerous and legislation has created criminal offences covering the production and distribution of these and issued a reminder to festival guests that NPSs are not permitted at the Eden Festival.
He said: “Anyone who takes these substances has no idea what they actually contain. Medical professionals also struggle to identify the make-up of these drugs and as such can make it problematic for them to treat the effects.
“They could have been mixed with drugs or other substances and their use becomes even more perilous when taken with alcohol or, indeed, other substances.
“Anyone who feels ill as a result of taking any substances should seek medical assistance immediately and others should stay with the person who is unwell until help arrives.”
He added: “Drugs will not be tolerated at the festival and anyone caught in possession of drugs or dealing drugs is likely to be arrested.”
Police Scotland’s specialist drugs dogs will also be operating throughout the event.
