The warning came as tens of thousands revelers flocked to the series of concerts at the Spring Scream music festival being held at the Kenting National Park in southern Pingtung County.

Lin Ding, deputy director of the CDC under the Department of Health (DOH), said drug use at revelries increases HIV/AIDS risks, not to mention the damage to the brain caused by the drugs.

A recent survey conducted by the DOH shows that more than 20 percent of youngsters in Taiwan failed to use protection when they having sex in the past two months.

The situation was even worse for those taking drugs when attending parties or music festivals that often spur emotional feelings and affect sound judgment.

A total of 394 people between the age of 15 to 24 were confirmed to be new HIV/AIDS carriers last year.

The pace of increase for the age group is still rising while the failure of practicing safe sex was the main cause, Lin said.

Music festivals like the ones held at Kenting often lead to teenagers being talked into trying illegal drugs.

Lin also pointed out that drug dealers now tend to add new elements to illegal drugs in order to boost the kick of their products. But this also significantly increased the risks, like suffering stroke, mental disorders, and chemical poisoning.

He advised young people to “say no” to illicit drugs and use condoms to protect themselves.

Meanwhile, police in Pingtung booked four more people at the music concerts for possessing and using illegal drugs.

The police have stepped up the crackdown on drug use at the musical festivals as local residents stressed they welcome people to the national park and related activities but they do not want people to bring illegal drugs there.

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