After being thrown in the cell -- fortunately, there was no cavity search -- he didn't know what to do with the meth. So, he just snorted the whole thing. Oddly, it only seemed to make him tired.
Finally, at about two in the morning, Derek's buddy arrived at the Indio jail ("rolling balls," says Derek) and signed the paperwork assuming legal responsible if Derek didn't show up to his court date. Around 4 am, he was free to go.
"My phone was dead so I asked to use their phone and they wouldn't let me," says Derek. "So I asked for directions back." It took him about two and a half hours to walk back to the campgrounds.
The worst part? The police had cut off his camping wristband. But, he had the remnants, and, after giving the guards a made-up story, they let him back into the campgrounds.
And so, he was able to enjoy Saturday and Sunday of Coachella with his friends, and briefly forgot his legal troubles. In the end, he escaped the pot charges because he had a medical marijuana card. The coke was a bit dicier, but he had a good lawyer and got off with just some classes and community service.
The best part? The bad experience did not deter him, and he's come back to Coachella every year since.
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