Police warning over drugs as festival singles out pill type

REVELLERS ringing in the new year at Sydney’s Field Day yesterday were warned by police that they’re taking their life into their own hands if they take drugs, no matter the colour of the pill.

Alcohol and illegal substances could not be taken into the Fuzzy event, held in the Domain from midday yesterday.

“We all should be concerned about electronic music festivals,” NSW Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Walton said. “There is a clear association with illicit drug use at those festivals and the worst outcomes are being seen …”

A 22-year-old Queensland man was taken to Gosford Hospital on Saturday night after attending the Lost Paradise Music Festival at Glenworth Valley and died later.

Falls Festival organisers issued a warning to attendees on Sunday – in the midst of three of their four nationwide music events – regarding a “dangerous orange pill” currently in circulation in Australia.

Mr Walton yesterday said they have always policed Sydney’s Field Day “very strongly”.

“I really don’t think that’s helpful to particularise or describe a real drug. What does that mean? How many orange pills are there out there? Who’s made them?,” he said.

“The real message is no one knows what is in these pills and illicit drugs. It’s dangerous. Do not use them.”