One man is dead, one is critical and four more people have been taken to hospital after a dance party at Homebush at the weekend.
Police will prepare a brief for the Coroner after the death of a 19-year-old man who collapsed on Saturday (7 February 2015), at a dance festival at Sydney Olympic Park.
More than 16,000 people attended with police conducting an operation in conjunction with security and medical staff.
Onsite medical staff assisted the 19-year-old man before he was taken to hospital in a critical condition, where he later died. A post mortem and toxicology testing will be carried out.
Four other men were also taken to hospital after police believe they consumed illicit drugs.
A 22-year-old man approached medical staff and allegedly informed them he had ingested a large amount of pills.
Police were informed this morning (Sunday 8 February 2015), a 20-year-old Arncliffe man at the event, was taken to Westmead Hospital and currently remains in a critical but stable condition on life support.
South Western Metropolitan Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mennilli, said police made no secret that a high-visibility drug operation would be in force.
“Despite efforts by police and the event organisers to ensure people could attend this music event and enjoy themselves without their lives being put in danger, one man has died and another remains in Westmead Hospital in a critical condition,” Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said.
“New South Wales Police will continue to use drug dogs and search people at events if we believe they are carrying illegal drugs. If you carry and supply illegal drugs you will be arrested,” said Assistant Commissioner Mennilli.
During the dance party police arrested three people for drug supply charges. Many other patrons were issued Criminal Infringement Notice (CIN) for drug possession and other offences, laying 40 charges. The drug dogs searched about 180 people and 23 patrons were treated by medical staff.
A 21-year-old Victorian man is expected to appear in Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 8 February 2015) after police allege he was searched and officers located 15 tablets believed to be MDMA.
Police also arrested a 20-year-old Auburn man after he allegedly tried to run from police. He was detained and searched and allegedly was in possession of nearly 100 tablets, believed to be MDMA, and cash.
He was charged with several offences including supply more than an indictable quantity of drugs and deal with proceeds of crime. He was granted bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on 24 February 2015.
A 20-year-old Greenacre man was also charged with supply more than an indictable quantity of drugs and is expected to appear in Fairfield local Court on 16 March 2015.