A woman in her 20s is fighting for her life after a suspected drug overdose at the Rainbow Serpent festival
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Six people have been hospitalised after allegedly taking drugs this year.
The woman was transferred from Ballarat to the Austin Hospital in a critical condition on Sunday, while a man, also in his 20s, was taken to Ballarat hospital on Sunday afternoon.
Four other people – all but one are in their 20s, with one in his 30s – have been hospitalised across the weekend.
Another two people were taken to hospital for medical reasons unrelated to drugs.
Police caught 22 people with drugs at the event in the 24 hours to 7.30am on Sunday, making five arrests.
The other 17 were given drug diversions or cannabis cautions.
The previous day, 18 people were arrested for a range of drug offences.
A 25-year-old French national will be among people on remand attending Ballarat Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
A 17-year-old will also face the children’s court for alleged drug trafficking – the festival is open to all ages, but people under 18 must have a parent or guardian accompany them at all times.
Sniffer dogs were used to inspect vehicles on-site, and police foot patrols have been targeting anti-social behaviour.
The festival ended yesterday, with highway patrol out to ensure everyone gets home safely.
On Thursday afternoon, as patrons began arriving but before the festival began, three people were injured when a truck rolled onto a tent, one seriously.
Festival organisers said in a statement staff were devastated to learn of the incident, but could not comment further.
Separately on Thursday, a man was also arrested for alleged drug trafficking.
The huge dance music festival, which features local and international artists across a range of electronic genres, lifestyle seminars, and artworks, has been running near Lexton for more than 20 years.
More than 18,000 people attended across the five days.
Rainbow Serpent organisers have been contacted for comment.
- with AAP
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