The Northern Territory Police Force have charged a 58-year-old female and 80-year-old male with secondary supply of alcohol as part of a targeted operation in Katherine today.
This morning, police executed search warrants at two separate residences within a block of units near the Katherine CBD. The operation was initiated following community concerns of ongoing supply of alcohol to individuals subject to Banned Drinking Orders (BDOs), particularly in the early hours of the morning.
As a result of the search warrants police seized a significant quantity of alcohol and cash. They were both taken into custody and the 80-year-old male was later charged with:
- Unauthorised sale of Liquor
- Possess ammunition without a license
He was bailed to appear in Katherine Local Court on 23 July 2025.
The 58-year-old female was charged with unauthorised sale of liquor and was bailed to appear in Katherine Local Court on 23 July 2025.
Acting Superintendent Warren Scott said, "This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. Secondary supply is not a victimless crime, it is a serious offence carrying a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment. Secondary supply of alcohol undermines the BDO system, exploiting vulnerable community members.
"It contributes directly to antisocial behaviour, fuels violence and places significant strain on emergency frontline and health services.
"This operation forms part of a broader alcohol harm reduction strategy aimed at improving community safety and wellbeing across the Territory. Police will continue to actively target those who profit from the illegal secondary supply of alcohol, with a particular focus on those who sell to people prohibited from purchasing it."
Northern Territory Police Force are committed to working with partner agencies and the community to disrupt illegal alcohol supply and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Anyone with information on the illicit secondary supply of alcohol in the community are urged to report it to police by either calling 131 444 or making an online police report at https://pfes.nt.gov.au/reportonline. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or via their online portal at https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
