Police reject claims of Big Day 'ambush'

The Gold Coast's police chief has brushed aside complaints by Big Day Out organisers that officers with drug sniffer dogs had unjustly ambushed the fans.

Superintendent Jim Keogh says there were ample warnings in the lead-up to Sunday's event not to bring drugs, and the vast majority of the 55,000 fans obeyed the rules.

Supt Keogh told reporters on Monday that the police took action against 126 people, 75 of them over drug-related matters.

"Imagine the combination of alcohol and drugs with the temperatures we experienced yesterday," he said.

"It was a really hot day and nobody suffered any serious illness, no serious injuries, so we're quite pleased as far as that goes.

"But the combination of drugs, the heat and alcohol is a terrible mix, so I think it's certainly our job to eradicate drugs from these events."

Supt Keogh praised the behaviour of fans, saying there was no aggression or violence despite the fact that it would have been easy for tempers to fray in the heat.

"I think a lot of this good behaviour is on the back of mid and light strength alcohol being served at the event for the first time," he said.

Superintendent Keogh said despite organisers claiming fans had been unfairly ambushed by drug sniffer dogs screening them as they arrived, the genuine fans didn't grumble.

"They didn't have a problem with it ... they were there totally focused to have a good time - and have a good time they did," Supt Keogh said.
Issued by The Sydney Morning Herald 18th January 2010
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/police-reject-claims-of-big-day-ambush-20100118-mfs0.html