More calls for pill-testing after second Stereosonic death

Calls for pill testing at music festivals have intensified after another death, this time at Stereosonic in Adelaide on Saturday.

Since the death of 25-year-old Sylvia Choi at Stereosonic Sydney after drinking ecstasy dissolved in water, the debate has stepped up for Australia to follow Europe’s lead and set up drug testing labs.

They have included drug expert Dr David Caldicott; rapper Illy; Adriana Buccianti, whose son Daniel died at 2012’s Rainbow Serpent Festival (her change.org petition is heading rapidly towards its 35,000 target); and Rainbow Serpent organisers themselves.

Rainbow Servant Director Tim Harvey stated: “We fully support Adriana’s impassioned plea. What many people don’t realise is Daniel passed away from the interaction of a prescribed medication, not an illicit drug.

“While the purity and composition of illicit substances continue to be a focus for the police and media, we have concerns about any potentially unsafe behaviour including alcohol, prescription medications as well as illicit substances.”

More names joined the chorus after the Stereosonic Adelaide death.

Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation President Dr Alex Wodak told one media outlet, “So many drug experts have been asking why, given the spate of these recent deaths attributed to ecstasy, we don’t at least trial drug checking?.” Dr Wodak is also an Emeritus Consultant at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.

South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services Executive Officer Michael White also came out in favour of testing. “Whether or not they have a tent where you can go and pick up a pill test and take it away,” he said. “Whether or not you can pick one up from a site before going or whatever. Whatever works. It could be useful.”

White also refused to consider that EDM culture be blamed for drug overdoses at festivals. Most cultural events are tied with drugs or alcohol. He said that large events as AFL matches and the Grand Prix have an association with alcohol “which has a much higher death rate.”

South Australia’s Health Minister Jack Snelling, added, “The Government is willing to consider anything that might prevent such tragedies, but illicit drug taking will always be inherently dangerous.”

19-year oldStefan Woodwarddied in Royal Adelaide Hospital after needing paramedical attention at 5pm on site. About 11,000 attended the festival at Bonython Park. Two others – a 20 year old man and a 21-year old woman – remain hospitalised with suspected overdoses.

Police reportedly found two range pills imprinted with a dollar sign in his pocket, which they posted images of online for others to identify. The pills seem to have been smuggled into the site in condoms.

Stereosonic, which emphasises zero drug tolerance on its website to patrons, released a statement it was “devastated to hear of another loss to drugs.”

The statement continued, “Police and Stereosonic once again warn the public of the risks associated with taking any type of illicit substance. We are imploring people to see the dangers of the situation, enjoy the day and please be safe.”

In Brisbane yesterday Stereosonic organisers placed 12 additional paramedics on the ground as well as 30 extra Red Frog volunteers.Police reported 17 arrests for drug charges and 14 hospitalisations.

After Choi’s death in Sydney, promoter Totem OneLove had said that if any patron or friend got into difficulty, “Our first aid team and staff are here to help” and that they would not be judgemental.

The Melbourne show at the Showground, also on December 5 and which traditionally draws 40,000, also made its share of headlines. There were 60 drug arrests. Of the 16 women and 44 men arrested, 50 face diversions, six were cautioned, two were released on summons and two charged and bailed.

Police said they seized ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis and GHB.

Daniel Dung Huynh, a 25-year-old assistant physiotherapist of Punchbowl, has been charged in relation to Sylvia Choi’s death with supplying a prohibited drug. He was refused bail and will return to court on January 13.

Image: Stereosonic Brisbane, taken yesterday