Huge Shambhala leads to 57 towed vehicles, 78 drug-impaired driving files, and hundreds of tickets By BC RCMP August 5th, 2026Massive crowds made for massive delays on local highways. Up to 50,000 people attended this year’s Shambhala Music Festival and its related events, and BC Highway Patrol enforcement results show that too many electronic music fans are still choosing to drive while impaired. At the end of the festival, BC Highway Patrol maintained two roadblocks aimed at people leaving the festival. “We asked people before the event to make sure they allowed drugs to clear their system before driving, but too many ignored that advice,” says Sergeant Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. BC Highway Patrol worked alongside Nelson Police and Drug Recognition Experts from around BC.