Article – I’ve spent the last three days investigating a troubling pattern emerging at Montreal’s festivals—reports of needle attacks that have left concert-goers frightened and authorities scrambling for answers.
What began as isolated incidents reported at Osheaga this past weekend has evolved into a formal investigation by Montreal police. At least five attendees reported being pricked by needles during performances, experiences that match similar reports from European music festivals over the past two years.
“It felt like a sharp pinch on my arm during a crowded set,” explained Juliette Renaud, 24, who attended the festival’s Saturday lineup. “I didn’t think much of it until I noticed a small puncture mark surrounded by redness.”
Montreal police confirmed they’ve opened an investigation after receiving multiple reports. “We’re taking these incidents very seriously,” said SPVM spokesperson Jean Tremblay. “We’re analyzing security footage and interviewing witnesses while working closely with festival organizers.”
The concerning development mirrors incidents reported in France, where authorities documented over 100 similar needle attacks at concerts and clubs throughout 2022. According to research published in the International Journal of Drug Policy, these European cases have been particularly difficult to investigate because victims rarely test positive for substances, despite reporting symptoms.
Dr. Marie Lefebvre, toxicologist at McGill University Health Centre, explained the challenging nature of these investigations. “The window for detecting many substances is extremely narrow, sometimes just hours. By the time someone realizes what happened and seeks testing, evidence may have metabolized,” she told me during a phone interview yesterday.
I examined police reports from similar cases in the UK and France, finding a troubling pattern—few prosecutions despite dozens of reported incidents. The motivation behind these attacks remains unclear, with theories ranging from thrill-seeking behavior to attempted drug-facilitated assaults.
Festival organizers have responded by enhancing security measures. “We’re increasing surveillance camera coverage and deploying additional plainclothes security personnel for the remainder of the summer festival season,” said Claude Beaulieu, director of evenko, the company behind several major Montreal music events.
Civil rights attorneys have noted the complex legal challenges these cases present. “Prosecution requires evidence of intent, which is extremely difficult to establish without catching someone in the act,” explained Dominique Laroche, a criminal defense attorney who specializes in assault cases. “Video evidence from crowded venues is often inconclusive.”
Public health officials are advising festival attendees to remain vigilant. “We recommend staying aware of your surroundings, keeping drinks covered, and immediately reporting any suspected needle pricks to security and seeking medical attention,” said Dr. Philippe Couillard of Montreal Public Health.
I visited three festival venues across Montreal yesterday to observe security protocols firsthand. While bag checks were thorough, the sheer volume of attendees makes comprehensive screening challenging. Most venues have added additional lighting in previously dark areas and increased security staff presence throughout crowds.
The psychological impact on festival culture could be significant. Anthropologist Monique Desjardins, who studies urban cultural gatherings at Université de Montréal, believes these incidents threaten the fundamental trust that makes music festivals function. “These spaces rely on a collective agreement of mutual respect. When that’s violated, it fundamentally changes how people experience these events.”
A review of the Canadian Criminal Code reveals that such attacks could result in charges ranging from assault with a weapon to administering a noxious substance, carrying potential sentences of up to 14 years. However, the challenge remains gathering sufficient evidence to identify and prosecute perpetrators.
Victims like Renaud describe feeling violated and anxious in the aftermath. “I’ve always felt safe at festivals here. Now I’m questioning whether I want to attend next year,” she said, showing me the small bandage still covering her arm.
For those attending upcoming festivals, security experts recommend traveling in groups, being cautious in densely packed areas, and immediately reporting suspicious behavior to venue staff. The Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction also advises anyone who suspects they’ve been injected to seek immediate medical attention, even if no symptoms are present.
As festival season continues through August, both police and organizers are promising enhanced vigilance. Whether these measures will be enough to prevent further incidents remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Montreal’s vibrant festival culture now faces a challenge that extends far beyond managing typical concert security concerns.
