Hundreds Arrested for Drug Possession at Amsterdam Music Event

Correction appended, Oct. 19

The annual Amsterdam Dance Event reportedly saw about 200 arrests for drug use over the weekend.

Authorities in the Dutch city, looking to differentiate between drug users and drug dealers, generally don’t prosecute people for carrying five or fewer pills of ecstasy. But despite earlier news reports to the contrary, no new rule regarding drug possession was specifically rolled out for the festival, and about 100 people were arrested each day of the event, the NL Times reports, mostly for possession of hard drugs.

“During the event the city of Amsterdam, the police, public prosecutor’s office and health services pay extra attention to informing visitors about health issues, the dangers of drug use and the public’s own responsibility with regard to their health and safety,” a spokesperson for the event said.

“Every person that is found to be in possession of drugs is required to hand it in and will be removed from the venue. It is up to the public prosecutor to decide to press charges,” the spokesperson added.

Correction: The original version of this story incorrectly described the policy surrounding of drugs at the Amsterdam Dance Event. The possession or use of drugs is not sanctioned by event organizers.