As thousands of festival-goers head to Drumlanrig Castle for the Electric Fields event, Police Scotland have warned they will be taking a hardline approach to trouble.
Officers have teamed up with the organisers to call on those attending to have fun, but stay safe.
Chief Inspector Stephen Stiff said: “Drugs will not be tolerated at the festival and anyone caught in possession of drugs or dealing drugs will be arrested. Police Scotland’s specialist drugs dogs will also be operating.”
Also banned will be the use of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) and Amyl Nitrate (poppers), as well as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) – or legal highs. Anyone found with them will be asked to surrender them and banned from the site if they refuse.
Ch Insp Stiff said: “Police Scotland will adopt the same pro-active approach to the dealing and misuse of drugs at Electric Fields as we do across the rest of Scotland.
“Part of the condition of entry is that NPS are not permitted at Electric Fields. Anyone who takes these substances has no idea of what they actually contain. Anyone who feels ill as a result of taking any substances should seek medical assistance immediately.”
Appealing for the crowds to have fun safely, he said: “Events of this magnitude bring their own set of challenges, but it is a rewarding and enjoyable experience for those involved.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities, including the community that gathers for the weekend at Electric Fields. We want people to have fun and enjoy what is sure to be another excellent festival in the region.
“At the same time we want people 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.”
The Charlatans and Primal Scream are headlining the festival, which also features over 60 other acts.
