Police are disappointed after a number of people were arrested for drug trafficking and possession at Rainbow Serpent Festival.
Police dealt with a significant number of serious offences at this year's festival, and despite repeated warnings, detected high-risk illicit drug consumption.
The precautionary results show that police responded to the following incidents over the course of the five day festival:
- 3 vehicle incidents including a fatal incident involving a 19-year-old female on route to the festival
- 2 sexual assaults
- 2 assaults
- 10 people arrested for drug trafficking
- 54 people given cautions or diversions for drug possession
- 16 tested positive for drug driving
Superintendent Jenny Wilson said it was concerning to see so many people making dangerous choices at the festival, despite repeated warnings from police.
"There is no such thing as a safe illicit drug, yet we have a number of people willing to profit off others while putting them at risk," Supt Wilson said.
"While we recognise that those who use drugs have a health problem, we also know that drugs are a big contributor to crime in the community.
"Every year police deal with serious crimes at this event such as sexual assaults and drug trafficking at this event.
"This kind of behaviour puts a lot of people at risk and is completely unacceptable.
"We want people to come to this event and enjoy it for what it is - a celebration of culture, music and arts.
"However the behaviour of some individuals shows that there are still some people out there willing to put themselves, and others at huge risk."
Police had a strong presence at the festival, with additional resources from across the Western region and Operations Response Unit working around the clock in an effort to keep festival goers safe.
The festival, which was held in Lexton, began last Friday and ran for four days.
