Police adopting "zero tolerance" drugs policy

Tayside Police will be cracking down on drugs at this year's T in the Park.

Chief Superintendent Matt Hamilton, in charge of policing in the Perth and Kinross area, is also in charge of the overall policing operation at T in the Park. He said,

''Once again, Tayside Police will be adopting a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drugs. Drugs amnesty bins will be placed at the entrance to the camp sites. Those attending T in the Park can dispose of any illegal substances in these bins before they enter the campsite without risk of exclusion or prosecution. However, once inside the venue, drugs will not be tolerated and anyone caught dealing or carrying drugs will be arrested. We will have plain clothes police officers and specialist drugs dogs operating at T in the Park.

''If you need help or advice while at T in the Park, simply ask a steward or a Police officer who will be happy to help.''

Last year officers made only 66 arrests at the event over the course of the weekend, down slightly on the 70 arrests made in 2006. However, of the 66 arrested in 2007, only 30 people were kept in custody for court. This reflects the nature of offences that came to the attention of police officers at the festival.

Chief Superintendent Hamilton added,
''The overall mood of revellers in 2007 was fantastic with the overwhelming majority of people enjoying what was a terrific event. I think that is testament to the meticulous planning that goes into an event of this scale, the information that is made available to the public beforehand and perhaps the fact that we are seeing T in the Park veterans returning to Kinross year on year.

''Even though we have policed this event for a number of years now, we are never complacent and always make sure that public safety is paramount. We are looking forward to policing T in the Park 2008.''