Joint highway operations with neighbouring police forces in pipeline
Three heavy haulage drivers were arrested and charged with drug-related offences during a cross-border operation on the Barkly Highway last week, Northern Territory Police Force says in revealing the results.
NT Police view the outcome as bolstering a decision to increase cross-border joint operations in future.
As part of Operation Boulder, a drug detection area was set up on the Barkly Highway near the Avon Downs Police Station, half way between Tennant Creek and Cloncurry.
More than 2,000 drivers were tested and their vehicles searched for illicit substances and drugs as part of a cross border operation which ran from Wednesday to Sunday involving members from the NT Police and the Queensland Police Service.
During the five day operation officers conducted 2,235 breath tests, 72 roadside drug swipes and seized 160 litres of alcohol destined for Alcohol Protected Areas.
Read the results of a recent five-day blitz in NSW, here
Three truck drivers were detected to be driving under the influence of methamphetamine
Two truck drivers were charged with possession of a trafficable quantity of methamphetamine and in possession of drug paraphernalia.
One was charged for being in possession of a Taser and another received a notice to appear for being in possession of an imitation firearm.
NT acting deputy commissioner Narelle Beer describes Operation Boulder as successful in removing dangerous drug affected drivers off the road and the seizure in both illicit substances and the secondary supply of alcohol to Alcohol Protected Areas.
“The number of drug affected drivers is alarming and the fact some of these drivers have been behind the wheel of a road train – it’s unfathomable to believe they would put other road users at such risk,” Beer says.
“These results have made us even more determined to target drug and alcohol affected motorists and with the valuable assistance from out QPS counterparts we will continue to perform such operations to make our roads and communities safer.”
“Police will continue to increase the number of cross-border joint policing operations to maintain public safety across borders and throughout the Territory.
“These ongoing operations will occur with Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia Police and will enhance information sharing to target unlawful behaviours in order to reduce harm.”
More details have been sought from NT Police on the truck-driver charges.