18/6/2007

A major police operation at Saturday's Escape Into the Park music festival in Swansea led to 72 people being caught in possession of controlled drugs.

Around 13,800 people attended the event at Singleton Park.

Police used drugs dogs to patrol the event as part of a crack down on drug taking and anti social behaviour.

72 people were dealt with for possessing controlled drugs, including 44 for possessing Class A drugs. 13 people were dealt with for possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Five people were dealt with for public disorder offences and one for assault.

Inspector Bill John of the Swansea Police Planning department said:

"This was a major operation and we had extra drugs dogs and patrols in the park. As a result, 72 people were caught with drugs.

"The figures are higher than last year but this is a result of having more officers on patrol not an increased problem with drugs.

"Anecdotal evidence suggests the amount of drugs at the event actually decreased as a result of our increased presence.

"We deployed extra staff both in and around the park and increased patrols in the Sketty and Brynmill areas of Swansea.

"Our aim was to ensure the safety of the event-goers and residents and the message was clear that we wanted people to enjoy the day but anti social behaviour would not be tolerated."