POLICE have been keeping a close watch on people attending Strawberry Fields musical festival.
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Officers from both Victoria and NSW have run annual operations to coincide with the event, which is held in Tocumwal.
Hundreds of drug charges and driving offences have been detected during previous operations.
The operations ran again this weekend and will continue as patrons leave the event.
Wangaratta Inspector Kerrie Hicks said police were focusing on drug offences.
Police detected 110 people driving with drugs in their system last year and NSW officers made more than 80 drug detections.
Victorian officers conducted 842 drug tests last year.
The Victorian operation is more focused on driving offences, while NSW police target drug dealing and possession.
“Our focus will be on people driving to and from the event, and we will have a significant and highly-visible police presence,” Inspector Hicks said.
“Unfortunately we have seen a high number of drug offences relating to this festival in the past.”
Inspector Hicks said offices were trying to ensure driver safety.
“We encourage people to enjoy themselves, but to do so in a legal, safe and responsible manner,” she said.
“For those who don’t, we will be there.
“As the festival is in a rural location, nearly all attendees drive to the event.
“This poses additional risks for those who have taken drugs during their time at the event.”
The dual policing operations, which cover Tocumwal and the towns surrounding the event, will conclude on Tuesday.