Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force were out in force over the Easter long weekend with multiple high visibility operations across the NT.
The Territory Road Policing Division set up 56 Random Breath Test stations and conducted 484 mobile random breath tests throughout the Territory, with over 5,071 road users breath tested. Of that number, 41 people tested positive to alcohol and 25 tested positive to drugs from the 131 drug tests conducted.
Road Policing issued 373 traffic infringement notices and provided 72 cautions, the majority of these interactions were related to speeding and persons not wearing seatbelts. Additionally, speed cameras checked 19,234 vehicles, capturing 491 for speeding.
Superintendent Rick Magree said, “We know that people are four times more likely to die on Territory roads than the national average. With the increased traffic on the road over the Easter long weekend, comes increased risk.
“Overall, most people were well behaved and enjoyed their long weekend responsibly, However It’s disappointing that a number of drivers still made poor choices in relation to the Fatal Five, predominantly with drink and drug driving as well as speeding.
“With the upcoming long weekend Territorians can expect to see the Road Policing Division out with an increased presence keeping everyone safe on our roads.”
In addition to the increase in RBT stations across the Territory, Operation Tuglo was commenced across Darwin, Adelaide River and Alice Springs, targeting the transportation of dangerous drugs, weapons and other illegal items via the air and road in the NT.
Operation Tuglo conducted high visibility screening of passengers on commercial flights arriving at Darwin and Alice Springs airports as well as vehicles travelling along the Stuart Highway.
Thirty-nine commercial flights with over 6,600 passengers and their luggage were screened using drug, firearm and explosive detection dogs. Fortunately, no illicit substances or illegal items were detected.
Over 135 vehicles were screened with drug detection dogs with 80 vehicle searches resulting in seizure of 2.76kg of cannabis, 2kg of Kava, 28 litres of spirits all destined for remote restricted communities. Five stolen motor vehicles were also apprehended in Adelaide River.
Additionally, one illegal firearm fashioned from a 22. calibre rifle was seized from a vehicle in Adelaide River.
The operation resulted in three arrests, five Traffic Infringement Notices, two defect notices, and 10 people were issued with a Notice to Appear.
Superintendent Lee Morgan said, “I want to commend all the officers involved in this significant operation.
“While the results from the airport checks were reassuring, the findings at the Adelaide River roadblock were disappointing.
“The discovery and seizure of an illicit firearm is a serious matter, and that alone makes the operation worthwhile.
“We remain committed to disrupting the supply of dangerous drugs and illicit substances into our communities.
“Our focus will continue to be on those who traffic illicit substances into the Territory and specifically into remote areas, where some of our most vulnerable people reside.
“Those who seek to profit from the harm of others, particularly the vulnerable, are a blight on our society and will be relentlessly pursued.
“As a whole the Territory enjoyed a safe and responsible long weekend.”