Police enforce 'Play Safe, Stay Safe' at 2012 Big Day Out

Police have arrested a large number of revellers during a high-visibility operation at the Big Day Out.

About 280 officers from across South West Metropolitan Region, Dog Squad, including drug-detection dogs; Mounted Police Unit and Commuter Crime Unit, targeted drug and alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour both inside and outside the venue, and ensured the safety and security of about 46,000 people.


Police and drug detection dogs conducted 310 person searches and identified 76 people allegedly in possession of illicit drugs

A total of 51 arrests were made for a range of offences including drug possession/supply and anti-social behaviour.

49 drug possessions
4 supply prohibited drug offences
16 cannabis cautions
2 resist police offences
1 offensive behaviour Criminal Infringement Notices (CINs)
1 assault offence
1 climb on structure offence
10 youth cautions

Illicit drugs seized include cannabis, "ecstasy", "ice", cocaine, and amphetamines.


165 revellers were refused entry to or ejected from the event by police and security staff -- many of them for being intoxicated.


Paramedics and volunteers treated approximately 335 patients, with 10 requiring hospitalisation.


South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli, said that an overwhelming majority of attendees enjoyed themselves within the law.

"Most revellers knew how to have fun and still behave responsibly, but some people who attend these festivals still need to understand that you will not get past us if you have drugs on you" Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.

"Year after year, event after event, we repeat the same warnings leading up to the day, but there are still people who think they are above the law.

"We will not take our eye off the ball when it comes to our fight against drugs, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly at events like the Big Day Out.

"We will continue to run these operations to ensure music-lovers can attend festivals and enjoy themselves in a safe, drug-free environment.

"We were also very surprised and disappointed by the large number of young people who attempted to make their way into the event with alcohol in their possession," Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.

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News & Politics

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• NSW Police
• police
• drugs
• drug
• Big Day Out
• music festival
• Sydney