Page "Big Day Out" Paragraph 18

Drug use is associated with many Australian music festivals, including the Big Day Out, with anecdotal reports strongly indicating that alcohol continues to be the most prevalent drug at all events.

Police have intercepted suspected users and dealers by placing drug sniffing dogs at some entrances of each festival and patrolling the event.

At the 2008 festival in Sydney, police made 86 drug-related arrests.

In 2009, 107 people were detained for drug violations.

At the 2009 Perth leg of the festival tour, more than 70 arrests were charged with drug-related offences.