More than 1,000 police officers have been dispatched to crack down on drug-related crime at this year's Ho-Hai-Yan Gungliao Rock Festival, Taipei County police said yesterday.
The festival, which began yesterday at Fulung (福隆) beach in Taipei County, will continue until tomorrow. Admission is free.
The annual music festival, now in its eighth year, is expected to attract 300,000 rock music lovers with performances by more than 20 bands, organizers said.
A spokesman for the Taipei County Police Department said that the large police presence at the music festival is intended to send a message that police will not tolerate the use of illicit drugs by revelers.
Drug-sniffing dogs are being used to monitor the event, police said, adding the dogs had proven adept at finding drugs during April's Spring Scream music festival in Kenting.
Those arrested will be charged with violating the Narcotics Endangerment Prevention Act (
Police will inspect the beach, camping spots, parking lots, hotel and toilets, the department said, adding that they would also be on the lookout for thieves, who often congregate at crowded concerts.
Additional reporting by CNA
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