Two Arrested as Police Uncover Major Drug Haul at Beyond the Valley Festival: Cocaine, MDMA, and Ketamine Seized

Two men face drug trafficking charges at the Beyond the Valley music festival near Geelong, where police reportedly discovered cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA among other substances. Authorities noted the use of pill-testing tech, stating they won't monitor those areas.

On Monday, two men from Victoria were apprehended and subsequently charged with drug trafficking offenses during a search conducted at the Beyond the Valley music festival. The event is located to the west of Geelong and has attracted a significant number of attendees.

According to reports from Victoria Police, a 28-year-old individual from South Yarra was discovered in possession of 17 MDMA pills, four grams of cocaine, and seven additional pills suspected to be illicit drugs. In a separate incident, a 27-year-old man from Rippleside was found with a substantial amount of drugs, specifically 27 grams of cocaine and 15 grams of ketamine.

Both suspects have been formally charged and are scheduled to appear in court in Geelong on March 12. Authorities have indicated that there will be an ongoing police presence at the festival throughout its duration, which continues until January 1.

A notable aspect of this festival is its integration of pill-testing technology, marking it as the first event in Victoria to offer such services to attendees. This initiative is being facilitated by The Loop Australia, a youth support and advocacy organization, alongside Harm Reduction Victoria. The incorporation of pill-testing aims to promote safety among festival-goers by allowing them to check the contents of their substances.

Victoria Police has acknowledged the existence of drug-testing services at the festival. A spokesperson for the police department explained that under recent legislative changes, individuals attending a designated drug-checking site are not committing a criminal offense by possessing small quantities of illegal drugs. Consequently, officers will not routinely be present at these testing locations unless they need to address specific incidents that require police intervention.

However, it is important to note that law enforcement will maintain their commitment to combating drug-related offenses outside the designated testing areas. Any illicit substances found in these contexts will still be subject to seizure by police authorities.

This festival represents a significant step towards balancing harm reduction strategies with enforcement, allowing for a safer environment while still addressing the serious issue of drug trafficking and illegal substance use. As the festival unfolds, authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring the safety of all participants while upholding the law.