Police Assaults and Drug Incidents Rise at TRNSMT Festival, FOI Reveals

DOWNLOAD IPFS

Police Scotland has recently confirmed a series of serious incidents during last month’s TRNSMT music festival, including eight assaults on officers and more than 40 drug-related offences. The data was released following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Held at Glasgow Green from July 11 to July 13, the three-day festival featured headline performances from artists including 50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, and Snow Patrol. But beyond the music, the event was marred by violence, substance misuse, and criminal activity.

Over the course of the weekend, a total of 124 incidents were recorded by police officers on duty at the site. These included a disturbing number of direct attacks on law enforcement personnel, with five of the eight assaults on officers taking place on the festival’s opening day.

Drug Seizures

Police responded to 43 drug-related incidents during the festival, involving Class A, B, and C substances. Despite efforts to monitor and prevent drug activity at large public gatherings, illegal substances remain a significant challenge for organisers and authorities alike.

In total, 19 people were charged in connection with a range of offences throughout the weekend. These included assaults on the public, sexual assaults, possession of weapons, culpable and reckless behaviour, and hate-related incidents. Police also intervened in 12 reported attacks on festival-goers.

Officers were called to two incidents involving weapons, including the discovery of a bladed article. Two further incidents involved racially aggravated behaviour, with both reported on the closing day of the event.

An individual was also reported to the police on Friday, July 11, after being seen wearing an item associated with a proscribed terrorist group. Authorities continue to investigate the matter.

Among the wider criminal activity recorded, two sexual assaults were officially reported, raising concerns about safety during the high-attendance weekend.