A combined effort by police from Central Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk (CSAID), Central Traffic Operations and Dog Operations Unit has resulted in the seizure and destruction of almost 500 litres of alcohol believed to be destined for dry communities, Northern Territory Police say.
"Katherine Police are committed to reducing antisocial behaviour in the town and surrounding Indigenous communities by preventing the secondary supply of alcohol," Acting Superintendent of the Katherine Division Mark Malogorski said.
From 23 – 25 August, officers and drug detection dogs made 17 arrests and issued nine summonses for offences on the Victoria and Stuart Highways in Katherine.
Police further issued 57 traffic infringement notices (including seven for drive with prohibited drug in body and three for low range drink driving), 26 liquor infringement notices, seven drug infringement notices and defected six vehicles.
"To have apprehended this amount of alcohol / drug affected drivers on our road in only three days is appalling," Acting Superintendent Malogorski said.
"People who continue to drink, or take illicit substances and drive on the road putting innocent people’s lives at risk, need to have a good hard look at themselves."
Some of the cases included:
- A 33-year-old man charged with high range drink driving after being involved in a pursuit with police, who blew 0.208
- A 24-year-old woman charged with high range drink driving, drive unlicensed and drive with child unrestrained, who blew 0.164
- A 39-year-old man charged with drive with prohibited drug in blood and drive without L plates after testing positive to methamphetamine
"Police were disappointed to have found a three litre bottle of Jack Daniels, a bottle of Hennessy and a bucket of premixed shots purchased by a father instead of purchasing a capsule for his six-day-old child who was travelling in the vehicle," A/Supt Malogorski said.
The alcohol located, seized and destroyed during the operation included:
- 834 cans / stubbies of beer
- 42 bottles / cans of premixed spirits
- 35 bottles of wine
- 22 x 2 litre wine casks
- 80 bottles of spirits
- 28 x premixed shots
"This is great work by police targeting the supply of illicit substances into liquor protected areas," A/Supt Malogorski said.
"These dedicated strategic operations will continue in Katherine to prevent alcohol-related crime, including domestic violence and antisocial behaviour.
"We will continue to work to reduce the harmful impact that drugs, including alcohol, can have on our community."
Northern Territory Police urge anyone with information about the sale of illicit substances to report it by calling 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
