A combined effort by police from Adelaide River, the Drug and Organised Crime Section (DOCS), the Central Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk (CSAID) and the Dog Operations Unit over the weekend has resulted in the seizure and destruction of 289 litres of alcohol believed to be destined for dry communities, Northern Territory Police say.
Over two twelve-hour shifts, officers and drug detection dogs screened 38 vehicles and 124 vehicle occupants in Adelaide River, with a number of arrests, drug and traffic infringements and notices to appear demonstrating a thorough and coordinated operation.
"Of interest was that the majority of the 289L of liquor seized was believed to be destined for Lajamanu and Kalkaringi," said Acting Superintendent Stephen Martin of the Northern Division.
"It appears that some community members are prepared to conduct a 1700km round trip from Lajamanu to Darwin, specifically to purchase liquor to defeat liquor restrictions."
A total of 143 grams of cannabis was also seized.
Officers from DOCS and CSAID report that this quantity of illegally trafficked liquor is unprecedented.
"This is great work by police targeting the supply of illicit substances into liquor protected areas," A/Superintendent Martin said.
"We will continue to work to reduce the harmful impact that alcohol and drugs can have on the whole NT community."
The joint effort was planned in support of the Adelaide River Races.
