Drug amnesty box pilot project debuting at Escapade Music Festival
Posted Jun 23, 2017 04:56:46 PM.
Last Updated Jun 23, 2017 05:01:43 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA — A pilot project could help stop drug overdoses at this weekend’s Escapade Music Festival.
Ottawa Police and festival organizers have teamed up to offer a drug amnesty box, which lets people get rid of any illegal drugs before getting their bags checked at the festival’s entrance.
Constable Chuck Benoit tells 1310NEWS people will be able to drop off their drugs in the box, “no questions asked.”
While officers will be around and monitoring the drop box, Benoit said the goal is to offer a safe and secure event so festival-goers can enjoy themselves.
“We don’t want to make it complicated and we don’t want to make it intimidating. We want to be there for the people to enjoy the event,” said Benoit.
The box will be inside a clearly-labeled white tent near Gate 3 at TD Place.
Drug overdoses have been a growing concern in the Capital Region.
Paramedics are equipped with naloxone, and will be on scene at the festival to help treat anyone suffering a potential opioid overdose.
