Pubdate: Sat, 24 Jun 2017
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact: http://www.ottawasun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.ottawasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Page: 3

DRUG AMNESTY DROP BOX - 'NO QUESTIONS ASKED'

Ottawa police are doing their part to ensure the Escapade electronic
dance music festival has a safe and fun time at its new venue, the
Lansdowne Park complex.

Police announced Friday they would be setting up a "drug amnesty box"
at the entrance to the concert, which takes place Saturday and Sunday.

Concertgoers can drop their illicit materials in the box, "no
questions asked," before proceeding to search points that have been
set up for the show.

The objective is a safe concert atmosphere for everyone, police
said.

There have been concerns raised in several quarters over recreation
drug use and alcohol abuse at the show, which had previously been held
at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

Concert organizers say they have invested about $20,000 in extra
security and paramedic services to ensure the safety of patrons.

Police, paramedics and medical facilities say they have developed
contingency plans for possible emergencies at the event, which has
drawn up to 25,000 over the two-day festival in previous years.
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MAP posted-by: Matt