Gardaí investigate 497 reported incidents from Electric Picnic, including an alleged sexual assault

2019’s Electric Picnic music festival wrapped up on Monday in Stradbally, but Gardaí are still dealing with the after-effects

Gardaí have dealt with almost 500 reported incidents from this year’s Electric Picnic festival, including a number of drugs and public order offences, and one allegation of sexual assault.

In a statement issued on the Garda Síochána Laois Offaly Facebook page, the local Garda force detailed the volume of reported incidents they have dealt with from the festival.

Of the 497 reported incidents, almost all (453) were related to drug offences. Four arrests were made for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, three of which related to drugs. There were six public order offences, one minor assault and one theft.

In the statement, it was revealed that the Gardaí are investigating a sexual assault crime and are “continuing to support the victim at this time”.

‘A number of medical issues’

Drug offences were a major issue for the Gardaí during the festival, with regular updates of drug seizures and testing being posted on their social media throughout the weekend. By Saturday morning, local Gardaí had already made 200 drug seizures at the festival, including MDMA, cocaine and ketamine.

A large number of medical issues arose during the festival, with many attributed to the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol. According to their statement, two festival-goers had to be transferred to Portlaoise Hospital after having been resuscitated and deemed critical. Thankfully, both patients have stabilised.

Featured image: Scott Salt via Electric Picnic website

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