MORE than 200 drug users and drug drivers have been caught during a police operation despite prior warnings they would be targeted.
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Victorian and NSW officers intercepted revellers attending the Strawberry Fields music festival at Tocumwal from Friday to Monday.
About 120 people were caught with drugs including LSD, magic mushrooms, cannabis, amphetamine, ketamine, ecstasy and prescription pills.
One Melbourne man was found by Victorian officers with about 100 ecstasy pills and amphetamine, and NSW officers caught a man at the festival with 28 MDMA tablets, MDMA rock and mushrooms.
Police also detected 90 drug drivers during the operation, which had included the use of sniffer dogs and roadblocks.
Deniliquin Inspector Trent Swinton said police and Roads and Maritime Services had made council submissions against the event each year.
“The event, as was evidenced this weekend, still went ahead,” he said.
“It seems to be a continuing trend that these dance festivals are attracting users of prohibited drugs.
“Police are highly alarmed by the results of the weekend which indicate 64 per cent of vehicle enroute to the event were conveying prohibited drugs.”
Inspector Swinton said it was a “massive frustration”.
“It was evident that drivers were going to and from the venue affected by drugs,” he said. “That has potential implications for the broader community.
“They’re putting themselves at considerable risk and the community at considerable risk by choosing to drive on drugs.”
About 5000 people attended the festival.