Leeds Festival sees rise in drug arrests

Festival organisers said fewer under-18s had sought medical help because of drugs at the 2023 event

More people were arrested for drug offences at Leeds Festival in 2023 as part of a police crackdown following the death of a teenager.

David Celino, 16, died after taking drugs at Leeds Festival in 2022.

Coroner Kevin McLoughlin called on police and event organisers to do more to prevent future deaths, following an inquest in August.

Festival organisers said fewer under-18s had sought medical help because of drugs in 2023 as a result of changes.

The number of people arrested for drug offences at the 2023 event was 56, up from 29 the previous year, West Yorkshire Police said.

The force said the majority of suspects were from Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and Merseyside and as a result it would work with other police forces in the lead-up to the 2024 festival.

Eight cases proceeded to court, after the Crown Prosecution Service said there was enough evidence to bring charges.

David Celino died after taking MDMA at Leeds Festival in 2022

Police said a more "hostile environment" had been created for drug dealers at the event as a result of changes made following the inquest.

These included additional CCTV, more police officers, increased "robust searches" and the use of sniffer dogs, according to a letter sent to the coroner by the police force.

David's family raised concerns at the inquest that police had not tracked down the person who sold him the drugs.

Nicola and Gianpiero Celino urged parents to speak to their children about the dangers of drugs

In response, a spokesperson said the force had "reflected on how the initial stages of the investigation were dealt with" and in future would make a duty inspector available to investigate the crime scene and identify potential suspects more quickly.

Festival Republic, the company that runs Leeds Festival, said 35 people under the age of 18 attended the medical tent for drug-related illnesses in 2023, compared with 72 the year before.

Managing director of the company, Melvin Benn, said in a letter to the coroner that safety messaging displayed at the event was positively received by attendees.

He outlined details about additional medical provision, including a new on-site X-ray scanner, and extra welfare tents in the camping areas.

Both Festival Republic and West Yorkshire Police said safety planning for the 2024 festival had begun.