Woman fighting for life in hospital after overdose at festival
A woman is fighting for her life in hospital after a suspected drug overdose during the Field Day Festival in Sydney on Friday.
The 23-year-old is in critical condition at St Vincent’s Hospital following the New Year’s Day event, with the hospital telling Fairfax that it was a ‘very busy night’.
The one-day festival, held at The Domain near Woolloomooloo, saw 184 people charged with drug-related offences during a police operation.
This year's Field Day Festival saw 184 arrested over drug-related offences. Photo: AAP
Drug detection dogs assisted in making the arrests, with two people also charged with supplying drugs.
One 26-year-old woman was found with 100 ecstasy tablets and one man, 19, was in possession of 81 ecstasy pills.
Both have been granted conditional bail and will appear in court later this month.
Last year’s festival saw 214 people arrested over drug-related offences, but despite the drop in numbers Redfern Region Enforcement Squad Commander Chief Inspector Stuart Bell said there is still room for improvement.
The Field Day Festival is held annually at The Domain on New Year's Day. Photo: Supplied
“While most revellers were well-behaved, 184 drug related arrests shows that there are still some who think they can get away with possessing and supplying drugs,” he said.
“We will continue to target drugs, alcohol-related crime, and anti-social behaviour, particularly at music festivals.
“We make no apologies for finding people who supply and possess drugs, and putting them before the courts.”
Out of the 28,000 people that attended the festival, 212 received medical treatment from paramedics.
More than 28,000 people attended this year's event. Photo: Instagram
Five of those required further treatment and were taken to hospital.
Chief Inspector Bell said a police presence is needed to provide a safer atmosphere for revellers.
Sniffer dogs helped to arrest 184 people over drug-related offences. Photo: Instagram
“Police will continue to run these operations and work with the festival organisers to ensure music-lovers can attend festivals and enjoy themselves in a safe, drug-free environment.”
Any drugs that were seized will undergo forensic examinations.
