Leeds Festival organisers have issued a warning to those heading to the festival this Bank Holiday over the rise of ecstasy deaths. On the organiser's website, they warn that in recent years the amount of MDMA found in tablets has been increasing.
Under the drugs policy, which reminds ticketholders that drugs are not permitted on the festival site, is a section for ecstasy. MDMA is a psychoactive drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties
On the website, organisers say: "Ecstasy deaths appear to be rising year on year. There appears to be a link with the amount of MDMA found in tablets more recently."
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They explain: "In 2005 each pill contained around 80mg of MDMA. Some recent pills have tested upwards of 250mg MDMA. This could be firmly in the fatal overdose range.
"A combination of factors are at play such as body weight, hormone levels, mixing with other drugs including alcohol, underlying health and so on. There is no safe dose."
The festival's drug policy reminds visitors that it does not condone the use of drugs and that it is illegal to buy, sell or take drugs. Drugs enforcement laws are as applicable on site as anywhere else in the UK.
However, above all else, the organisers and welfare teams on site are there to help and visitors are reminded that they can go to them to seek help, advice or to report anything without fear of getting in trouble. There will be welfare and first aid tents spread across the festival where people should go if they find themselves needing assistance.
The policy also offers advice to those who may find themselves having taken drugs while at the event. They remind people that cheap does not mean weak, that pure does not mean safe and reminds that it is possible to up a dose, but never to lower it.
Covert officers will be patrolling around the site and under the terms of entry, they have the right to stop and search anyone at any time. West Yorkshire Police will also be present at the festival to deal with anyone caught dealing drugs.
The organisers urge people who will be visiting Leeds Festival: "Remember, if you take drugs and become ill, depressed or concerned, make sure you ask the nearest member of staff to direct you to our Welfare Tent in the Village which is open 24 hours. If you or someone you are with has a bad reaction and needs medical help, talk to the nearest member of staff immediately, and let medics know what has been taken.
"You could save your friend’s life. People who are overdosing can go downhill very quickly so don’t delay in seeking help."
For more help and information relating to the different kinds of drugs and what happens if you take them, visit The Loop or Talk to Frank.
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