The Indio Police Department said a total of 97 arrests were made over the first three days of the two-weekend event held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
A majority of the cases were linked to drug-related offences, with 59 people arrested for possession. Authorities also reported 14 arrests for false identification, while a smaller number of individuals were detained for alcohol or drug intoxication and property-related offences. Additional arrests were recorded under other unspecified categories.
Police also issued 32 citations for the misuse of disabled parking placards during the festival.
The event drew massive crowds, with hundreds of thousands attending the annual music festival, known for featuring top global artists. This year’s lineup included performers such as Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G, and Anyma, along with acts like The XX, The Strokes, Young Thug and Royel Otis.
The second and final weekend of the festival is set to begin on April 17.
Beyond music, the festival continues to play a major role in boosting the local economy. Along with its sister event, the Stagecoach Festival, Coachella generates significant revenue for California, contributing an estimated $700 million annually and supporting over 10,000 temporary jobs, according to state officials.
Gavin Newsom highlighted the importance of such events, calling them a key driver of the state’s creative economy and a major source of support for local businesses.
