Falls Festival organisers have issued a red alert about a “dangerous orange pill” doing the rounds on the street.
Taking to Facebook, they passed on a warning from medics about the deadly drug, which is currently “in circulation across Australia”.
They also urged punters to steer clear of any illicits at Falls this summer, reminding us that “one pill can kill”.
“Although we’ve had a safe Falls Festival to date, our medical teams have alerted us to a dangerous orange pill that is currently in circulation across Australia,” organisers report.
“Regardless of pill variation, we want to remind everyone of the potentially fatal risks that come with illicit substances. You do not know what is in them, how your body will react, there is no safe level of consumption.
“One pill can kill.”
They also used the occasion to remind punters of the steps to follow in the event of an emergency at any of the festival legs.
“We also want to reiterate if you or any of your friends are feeling unwell or concerned for your health please seek medical attention immediately. The event and medical teams are here to help you without judgement,” they continue.
“If you see anyone in trouble, please alert event staff immediately or call the Patron Safety Hotline to report. We also encourage you to dispose of any drugs safely. We want all of you to have a great time and enjoy a safe festival experience.”
Falls Fest is currently underway in Lorne and Marion Bay, before it heads to Byron Bay and Fremantle over the coming days (catch the set times here).
ICYMI: this year’s Falls Festival lineup is topped by the likes of Anderson .Paak, Interpol, CHVRCHES, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Dizzee Rascal and Cut Copy, as well as ‘Africa’ legends Toto, who we’re hoping might have a sneaky collaboration up their sleeve.
Organisers’ drug warning comes after tragedy struck at the Central Coast’s New Years-straddling Lost Paradise Festival on Saturday night, with a 22-year-old man dead and two other people hospitalised after taking an “unknown substance”.
A police investigation into the death is ongoing.
Meanwhile, the national campaign for drug law reform Take Control has responded to the tragedy by once again pleading with the NSW liberal government to make music festivals safer by reconsidering their staunch opposition to pill-testing.
“This doesn’t need to be the summer of festival deaths,” Ted Noffs Foundation CEO and campaign spokesperson Matt Noffs said.
Take Control are urging to sign an open letter to Premier Gladys Berejiklian, essentially begging her to listen to the evidence and reconsider trialling life-saving pill-testing measures at NSW festivals.
Read Falls Fest organisers’ full post — and catch the Patron Safety Hotline numbers — below.
Falls Festival Patron Saftey Hotline Numbers
Lorne: 1300 322 441
Marion Bay: 1300 899 440
Byron: 1300 940 928
