The recent 3-day festival in Belgium attracted a crowd of 39,000 visitors, with police heavily focusing on controlling drug use and possession throughout the event. On 2025-05-05 16:32:00, authorities revealed the extensive measures taken to ensure safety and compliance. For the first time, a drone was deployed to monitor the festival grounds from above, marking a new era in crowd surveillance and law enforcement during large gatherings.
- Police intensified drug checks during festival
- 55 officers deployed for security control
- Drone used for aerial surveillance first time
- On-site police station handled immediate fines
- 123 attendees caught with drugs fined
- Collected fines totaled 30,525 euros
Police presence was strong, with 55 officers assigned to the event. A fully equipped police station was set up on-site, allowing immediate handling of offenses through the OMS procedure (immediate amicable settlement). Despite calls for attendees to leave drugs at home, 123 festivalgoers were caught with illegal substances and fined on the spot. The total fines collected amounted to €30,525, highlighting the strict enforcement policy.
How effective are these measures in deterring drug use at festivals? And could this approach become the new standard for event security in Belgium? Let’s explore the key outcomes and implications.
The festival’s law enforcement strategy raises important questions about balancing safety and freedom. Is the heavy police presence a deterrent or an inconvenience for festivalgoers? The use of drones introduces new technology but also privacy concerns. Key points include:
- Deployment of 55 officers and a drone for aerial surveillance
- On-site police station enabling swift processing of offenses
- 123 individuals fined for drug possession, reflecting strict enforcement
- Over €30,000 collected in fines, demonstrating the financial impact
Looking ahead, will these methods become standard practice at Belgian festivals? Organizers and attendees alike should prepare for continued rigorous enforcement and consider how to balance enjoyment with compliance. Staying informed and responsible remains key to a safe festival experience.
