ACT Policing took 14 individuals, including four youths, into custody during the 12-hour music festival ‘Groovin the Moo’ yesterday (Sunday, 27 April) at the University of Canberra.
Six adults and four juveniles were taken into protective custody for intoxication during the event. At last year’s festival, one adult and three juveniles were taken into protective custody for intoxication.
ACT Policing also identified four separate suspected drug offences during the event including possession of suspected cannabis, cocaine, magic mushroom and MDMA.
One adult male was located in possession of cannabis and issued with a Simple Cannabis Offence Notice (SCON). One adult male was located in possession of a substance suspected to be magic mushroom and investigations into the matter are ongoing. One adult male was located in possession of a substance suspected to be cocaine and investigations into the matter are ongoing. A fourth adult male was taken into custody for possession of suspected MDMA powder and will be summonsed to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court at a later date.
Despite these incidents, police were pleased with the behaviour of the majority of festival goers and praised event organisers for their preparations.
“The event organisers had prepared very well for any possible contingency and, given the large crowds throughout the day, the majority of people attending appeared to enjoy the festival safely and responsibly,” Sergeant Hains said.