Northern Territory Police have seized a substantial amount of alcohol from vehicles believed to be travelling into a remote community on the weekend.
In a statement, NT Police said that on Saturday evening, Harts Range officers conducted a traffic apprehension on two vehicles along the Plenty Highway around 70km east of the Stuart Highway. A third vehicle evaded the traffic apprehension and continued travelling west.
As a result of the vehicle stop, the following was located and seized:
- 33 x 4 litre wine casks
- 5 x 4.5 litre wine casks
- 12 x 750ml bottles of wine
- 2 x 700ml bottles of blueberry liqueur
- 2 x 1.25 litre bottles of tropical-flavoured alcohol beverage
- 2 x 1.125 litre bottles of bourbon
- 2 x 1.125 litre bottles of rum
- 1 x 10 pack of vodka premix cans
The seized alcohol is equivalent to just over 1500 standard drinks according to the Australian Standard Drink Formula and has been tipped out by police, NT Police said.
“This was excellent proactive policing by our remote members that prevented a significant amount of alcohol from reaching its intended destination,” said Acting Superintendent of the Southern Desert Division, Conan Robertson.
“We know all too well the harm that alcohol causes in our remote communities and it is disgraceful that these individuals tried to take advantage of vulnerable community members with complete disregard for the law.
“Police will be anywhere, at any time, checking vehicles and targeting those that would attempt to bring alcohol into restricted areas.
“If you have any information about the unlawful supply or distribution of alcohol into remote communities in the Territory, please contact police on 131 444.”
Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.
