Over 200 drug detections at Life festival

There were between 200 and 300 drugs detections at the Life music festival held in Belvedere House and Gardens last weekend.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, a garda spokesperson said that while most of the detections were for Section 3 offences (simple possession), a number were also for suspected Section 15 offences (sale and supply).

The number of drug detections are down significantly from previous Life festivals, however this year's capacity of 5,000 was only a third of what it was in 2019.

Despite the relatively high number of drugs detections, the garda spokesperson said that from a policing perspective the three day dance music event was a “success”

“There was very little crime, public order offences or thefts,” the spokesperson said.

This year's Life festival was the first in three years due to the pandemic.

In the past Westmeath County Council has come under fire from county councillors for renting out Belvedere House for Life festival.