NSW Premier vows to ban Sydney music festival after drug deaths

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has vowed to halt future editions of Sydney music festival Defqon.1 after two young people died and another two are in a critical condition after multiple suspected overdoses during the event held yesterday at Castlereagh in western Sydney.

NSW Police said 700 sought medical help for drug-related issues during the festival for hardcore techno, house and trance music at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.

Premier Berejiklian called the annual event unsafe, stating "I'm absolutely aghast at what's occurred.

“I don't want any family to go through the tragedy that some families are waking up to this morning.

"This is an unsafe event and I'll be doing everything I can to make sure it never happens again.

"I never want to see this event held in Sydney or NSW ever again ... young lives were lost for no reason."

Organisers Q-Dance Australia had warned ticket holders the festival's drug policy was zero tolerance and are cooperating with the authorities.

NSW Police advised that the two dead were both in their 20s and died in hospital after collapsing, adding that 10 people have been charged with drug offences, including two teenagers who allegedly carried 120 tablets to the event.

In total, 69 people were found in possession of drugs including MDMA, cocaine and ecstasy.

NSW Police Assistant Police Commissioner Allan Sicard added "we do everything we possibly can to make these events safe. What we can't do is be in people's heads, be in people's decision-making processes when they decide to take illicit drugs.”

NSW Police urge anyone with information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.