Festival crowds’ bad drug warning
A SECOND man has faced court over a batch of dodgy illicit drugs that saw nine people treated by paramedics at the Meredith Music Festival at the weekend.
Deniz Kuiucak, 23, faced Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday after he was allegedly caught at the festival’s Top Camp site on Saturday carrying MDMA, cocaine and $280 in his wallet.
Nine festival-goers were treated for drug-related illness, prompting the festival’s MC and radio presenter Fee BSquared to take to the stage to warn the crowds of the use of illicit substances at the threeday event.
One attendee told the Geelong Advertiser that staff then continued announcing warnings throughout the festival, which they had never seen happen before.
An event spokesperson said the festival did not condone the use of illicit drugs.
“We are proud of the people who attend our festivals and the dedicated team who successfully protected our No D--head Policy this weekend, resulting in two arrests relating to drug offences following nine individuals experiencing mild vomiting and diarrhoea,” they said. “There were no overdoses.
“Following the harmreduction stage announcement on Saturday there were no further cases and the arrests were made soon after.”
Magistrate Peter Mellas freed Mr Kuiucak on bail but ordered him to live in Brunswick with his parents and report to police twice a week.
Mr Mellas also set conditions preventing Mr Kuiucak from contacting co-accused Birrin Williams, 24, who was granted bail on Monday.
Mr Kuiucak and Mr Williams will return to court on January 29.
Falls Festival, the largest music festival in the region, celebrates its 25th anniversary later this month with thousands expected to descend on Lorne during its four days.
Falls co-producer Jessica Ducrou said the festival had a zero-tolerance approach to illegal drugs on site at its events.
“The rules on site are no different to those in life,” she said.
“We encourage anyone who finds themselves or their mates in trouble to seek medical assistance immediately. There will be no judgment, you won’t get into trouble. Patrons need to remember their safety and that of their mates is the most important thing in these situations.”
In September the ACT approved a pill testing trial at a Canberra music festival with drug experts applauding the move. When asked if festival organisers supported pill testing, Ms Ducrou said any moves to save lives needed to be considered.
“We would love to see the government, police, medical experts and the wider community have a more solid conversation about this, anything that can save lives needs to be considered and discussed,” Ms Ducrou said.