Buried drug stashes uncovered at Creamfields site in Cheshire before festival

Police found 204 nitrous oxide canisters plus ecstasy, MDMA and ketamine buried at the Daresbury site. Officers urge those responsible to come forward.

Drugs buried months in advance found at Creamfields festival grounds

Police have unearthed large quantities of illegal drugs hidden underground at the Creamfields festival site in Daresbury, Cheshire, days before more than 80,000 music fans are due to attend, BBC News reports.

Cheshire Police said the haul included approximately 204 canisters of nitrous oxide — commonly known as laughing gas — along with bags containing ecstasy, MDMA and ketamine tablets, all discovered during a pre-event search of the grounds.

Superintendent Andy Blizard said individuals had concealed the drugs in advance of the festival, which is scheduled to open on Thursday. "Every year, we counter a number of brazen individuals who think they can outsmart us by concealing drugs from view or burying them at the site months in advance," he said.

Blizard confirmed further searches by specialist officers would continue up to the start of the event, and he expected additional finds. Those responsible, he said, would arrive "very much disappointed to find them no longer where they left them when they arrive at the festival to dig them back up."

In an unusual appeal, Blizard invited those who had buried items to identify themselves to the force. "Anyone who has buried a rucksack or holdall bag at the site and would like it back is asked to get in contact with us," he said. Enquiries to identify the owners of the recovered drugs are ongoing.

Cheshire Police stressed that a zero-tolerance policy on drugs is in place at the event. During the festival itself, officers will work alongside Creamfields security staff and maintain a visible presence to prevent crime and disorder.

Source: BBC News