POLICE made several arrests following a recent rave at Avon Dam.

Officers were called to the site near South Brent on the morning of Sunday, August 23, after receiving reports of an unauthorised music event taking place at the site the previous evening.

As revellers began leaving Avon Dam, officers carried out checks on vehicles and spoke to motorists as part of an operation aimed at preventing drink and drug driving.

Seven drivers were arrested after failing roadside drug tests.

The first vehicle stopped by police was found to have no insurance or tax.

The driver was also arrested after failing a roadside drug wipe.

Officers continued to stop vehicles leaving the site, with a further six drivers failing roadside drugs tests.

All seven were taken into custody, where blood samples were taken for further analysis.

They have since been released under investigation, while police await the results of toxicology testing.

A quantity of drugs were also recovered during the operation.

Inspector Wes Watkins said the police presence at Avon Dam was primarily about prevention, with officers aiming to engage with people before they drove away from the event.

He said officers gave motorists advice about the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence, with most deciding to leave their vehicles at the site and return later to collect them.

Inspector Watkins warned that attending unauthorised music events can carry risks, particularly where illegal drugs and road safety are concerned.

Motorists who drive while under the influence could face serious consequences, including disqualification from driving and a criminal record.

Inspector Watkins said the response was a strong team effort and hoped it would send a clear message that drug and drink driving would not be tolerated.