One dead and 16 hospitalised during Knockout Games of Destiny festival in Sydney
A 19-year-old man has died and 16 people were hospitalised while attending the Knockout Games of Destiny EDM festival in Sydney.
It was held on Saturday at Olympic Park and promoted by Harder Styles Unite.
Three of those hospitalised were taken in a serious condition but were stabilised by late Sunday.
NSW Police said an additional 130 patrons sought medical treatment during the event.
Police maintain the man’s death and that three severe cases were due to suspected drug overdoses.
The 19 year from Baulkham Hills was found at a railway station and died later in hospital at 4.30 am on Sunday.
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South West Metropolitan Region commander assistant commissioner Peter Thurtell said, “[There was] a large policing operation – over 130 police, 140 security staff plus medical staff – the attempts to stop people taking drugs were significant.
“Obviously, people who are determined to get their drugs in one way or another, will find a way.”
More than 18,000 people attended the dance party.
During an operation by Auburn Police Area Command, officers issued 69 banning notices and conducted more than 200 searches, with 62 people found in possession of drugs.
An 18-year-old woman was allegedly found with 390 MDMA capsules.
She was charged with supply prohibited drug and is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday, January 10.
A 25-year-old man was allegedly found with 145 MDMA capsules in his possession.
He was charged with supplying prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug.
He faced Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday, where magistrate Darryl Pearce refused to grant bail. He returns to court on Monday.
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A further three people were also charged with drug supply offences. They will appear in court at a later date.
As a result of the Defqon.1 deaths, the NSW government introduced tougher drug penalties — including on-the-spot fines for drug possession and a maximum 20-year jail sentence for drug suppliers.
Two attendees died at the Defqon.1 festival in September, 23-year-old Joseph Pham and 21-year-old Diana Nguyen.
An 18-year-old man died at a Knockout music event last year, after he tripped over and fell on his head.
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