Cops hold Ormskirk teens in festival probe
TWO Ormskirk teenagers were among those arrested for drug-related offences at the V Festival.
The 18-year-olds were arrested for possession with intent to supply after allegedly trying to smuggle 220 nitrous oxide (laughing gas) canisters into the festival held at Weston Park, Staffs.
However, they were just two of many arrests that were made.
Following surveillance work by plain clothes officers at the event, police identified six men distributing Class A drugs between them with intent to deal them to festival-goers.
They discovered a large quantity of what was believed to be ecstasy and a quantity of cocaine on their persons and in hidden compartments in their tents, and arrested all six for possession with intent to supply.
Two men were aged 38 and 29 from Crewe, two aged 28 and 27 from Chester, and two aged 43 and 45 from Birkenhead.
During the festival, the force arrested a total of 14 men for dealing drugs, and one man for possession of ketamine.
Superintendent Martin Brereton, commander for the V Festival policing operation at Weston Park, said: “The event is proceeding very smoothly and peacefully so far, which is great to see.
“In partnership with the event’s security team, there has been some outstanding work to prevent drugs getting into the festival and these arrests should serve as a message to others thinking about making the same mistake.”
A police officer has confirmed, however, that all those involved in the laughing gas arrests have been released under investigation.