A man has died and another is in a critical condition from suspected drug overdoses at Stereosonic music festival in Adelaide.
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In the latest fatal incident, paramedics rushed the 19-year-old from Adelaide’s Bonython Park to Royal Adelaide Hospital where he died.
Most of those caught with drugs had been taking ecstasy, though police also found other amphetamines, cocaine and cannabis, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
This is the second Stereosonic fatality this year, following the tragic death of 25-year-old Sylvia Choi, who attended the Sydney event.
“Prior to the police South Australia police were specifically targeting persons that we believe may have been linked to the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs”, he added.
The organisers of the music festival say they are “devastated to hear of another loss to drugs” and implored people to “be safe”.
But some admitted it wouldn’t prevent their friends from taking drugs.
Superintendent De Candia said such services were a matter for governments.
Independent senator Nick Xenophon on Sunday called for a coronial inquest into the teenager’s death, labeling the use of drugs at music festivals as “Russian roulette”.
“We have tragically lost two lives to drugs during our festival and whilst every effort has been made to protect you and keep you safe with our teams of professional medical and security staff, you as individuals need to make smart choices and understand the risks you are taking”, the event organisers wrote on Facebook.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull sent his condolences to the Adelaide man’s family, after he announced $300 million in new funding for treatment, prevention and education to tackle the ice scourge.
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He said police were investigating the man’s death and looking to identify the source of the drugs.
