Concert organisers: Priority on security

To ensure that the reputation of the biggest dance party in Singapore is not marred by drugs, Zouk spends about $200,000 on security for its annual ZoukOut event, its marketing head said.

"Inside the festival grounds," said Mr Timothy Chia, "we have around 250 security personnel, which include 40 auxiliary police officers, to patrol the grounds and look out for such behaviour.

"Singapore's strict drug penalties are also well known and play a part in educating and deterring drug-peddling and consumption." Security checks at the event are also stringent and these are done before partygoers enter the venue, he said.

FRISKED

"The first stage involves bag checks for weapons and smuggling of drinks and drugs. The next stage involves more checks at the door with body frisking conducted by security personnel," said Mr Chia.

Other concert organisers also told The New Paper that they conduct stringent checks.

The co-owner of LAMC productions, which organised the recent Singapore Rock Festival, said that it conducts strict bag checks. Mr Ross Knudon said: "Security personnel are stationed at various points at the venue to look out for people who are misbehaving and acting out of the ordinary."

A spokesperson for Laneway Festival Singapore, the annual indie event, also said that all security staff are constantly on high alert for those whom they feel might be unwell or misbehaving.

The Central Narcotics Bureau said that it regularly conducts operations at major party events in Singapore to detect drug activities taking place at these events. Arrests have been made in the past, it said.

djenn@sph.com.sg

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