This year's Boomtown Fair has seen police working in partnership with the festival organisers and security teams to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.
Following a drug-related death at the 2011 festival, officers from Hampshire Constabulary carried out a dedicated operation to reduce any potential crime and associated risks. A targeted search operation saw local officers working in conjunction with the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) to identify drugs being brought onto the site. Amnesty bins were provided to allow drugs to be surrendered without fear of reprisal and drugs dogs were used to make sure the operation was proportionate.
The search operation was supported by uniformed and plain-clothed officers patrolling the site to identify and arrest suspected dealers.
As a result, an estimated £130,000 worth of drugs were seized throughout the four day event. A total of 121 people were formally dealt with for possession offences and 27 were arrested for supply offences.
Detective Chief Inspector Tim Rowlandson, who led the crime team within the festival, said: "I wanted those who attended the festival to be able to enjoy the entertainment provided in a safe and secure environment. We worked closely with festival organisers and private security teams, and by reducing the availability of drugs we have aimed to lower the risk to festival goers.
"We will continue to work with the organisers of Boomtown to look at additional ways to limit opportunities to bring drugs into the festival next year. I hope that the success of the search operation this year, together with the visible policing presence on site, will influence the actions of those attending future events."