The illegal rave party organized in Castanet-le-Haut, in Hérault, concluded on Tuesday October 29 after a decisive intervention by the Gendarmerie. At the request of the prefect and on the instructions of the public prosecutor, the police seized all the sound equipment as well as the transport vehicles. A 25m³ wall of sound, made up of 38 speakers, as well as the generator powering the event were confiscated.
Sanctions and offenses noted by law enforcement
The soldiers present on the site noted a total of 160 infractions, testifying to the scale of the infractions and the anarchy surrounding the event. Among these, we include:
- 125 fines for traffic and parking violations;
- 10 uses of narcotics ;
- 4 driving under the influence of drugs ;
- 3 cases of driving despite cancellation of driving license.
These offenses reflect increased vigilance on the part of the authorities who have deployed significant resources to control the situation and enforce the law.
Complaints from local residents and impacted parties
This event not only disrupted public order: it also caused economic and material damage for several local actors. Complaints were filed by the mayor of the town, the manager of a local gîte and the company EDF Renouvelables France. The latter estimates its damage at €30,000, citing in particular the temporary shutdown of its wind turbines, tags on a pylon, and break-ins on the access gate to the area. The damage caused by the rave highlights the repercussions that such clandestine parties can have on infrastructure and the local economy.
Message of firmness from the prefecture
Faced with the resurgence of these gatherings, the Hérault prefecture has reaffirmed its strict position against illegal rave parties. “ Notice to rave party enthusiasts: the prefectural decree which prohibits rave parties in the territory continues to apply. The blue rave system is triggered at my request, which consists of the deployment on the territory of significant resources of the gendarmerie to prevent any illicit installation of a rave party. This type of gathering is not welcome in our department,” specifies the prefecture.
This system, known as the “blue rave”, mobilizes numerous resources to deter and prevent the installation of unauthorized gatherings, reflecting zero tolerance towards this type of event.
