One person was arrested for drug supply and a further four were issued criminal infringement notices for drug possession at the Bondi Beach Party on Saturday, which police estimate 5825 people attended.
The party, held amid cloudy and rainy weather, was headlined by English singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor and US electronic popstar Slayyyter.
When asked by GSN last week how many people had purchased Bondi Beach Party tickets, Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith did not confirm an exact number.
Industry sources suggested about 6000 tickets were sold as of February 12.
The event had capacity for 15,000 people.
Beckwith said ticket sales for both the Bondi Beach Party and Mardi Gras after-party had been “selling very, very well”.
Police officers attached to Sydney’s eastern suburbs area command, assisted by specialist units, conducted a high-visibility operation at the beach party, which included at least one drug detection dog at its entrance.
“Throughout the afternoon, four people were given criminal infringement notices for drug possession,” police told GSN.
A criminal infringement notice is an on the spot fine. It doesn’t necessarily result in a criminal conviction unless it is appealed in court and the person it is issued to is found guilty.
Separately, one man was arrested by officers attached to the operation near the Bondi Beach Party
“The 31-year-old man was stopped in a Toyota Hilux on Sir Thomas Mitchell Road, Bondi Beach, about 4pm [Saturday],” police said.
“During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized cash and prohibited drugs believed to be cocaine.”
The man was taken to Waverley police station where he was charged with supplying a prohibited drug and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
He was given bail to appear at Waverley Local Court on March 19.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
