NT Police reveal Easter long weekend road results and Operation Tuglo success

Almost 500 vehicles were captured speeding over the Easter long weekend, with 41 drivers testing positive to alcohol and a further 25 under the influence of drugs. See the breakdown.

Police issued 373 traffic infringements notices and provided 72 cautions, with the majority attributed to speeding and roads not wearing seatbelts over the Easter long weekend. Picture: Supplied

Almost 500 vehicles were captured speeding over the Easter long weekend, with 41 drivers testing positive to alcohol and a further 25 under the influence of drugs.

In the wake of its long weekend holiday blitz and new advertising campaign, NT Police revealed the result of their road operation.

After setting up 56 random breath test stations and conducting 484 mobile random breath tests Territory-wide, more than 5000 road users were breathalysed.

Of that number, 41 people tested positive to alcohol and 25 to drugs from the 131 drug tests conducted.

Almost 20,000 vehicles were checked by cameras, with 491 clocked for speeding.

Police issued 373 traffic infringements notices and provided 72 cautions, with the majority attributed to speeding and roads not wearing seatbelts.

Superintendent Rick Magree said it was “disappointing” that a minority of road users were taking dangerous risks.

“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,” he said.

“With another upcoming long weekend Territorians can expect to see the Road Policing Division out with an increased presence keeping everyone safe on our roads.”

Operation Tuglo was also in effect over the weekend, both on the road and in the air.

Targeting the transportation of dangerous drugs, weapons and other illegal items, Operation Tuglo screened passengers aboard commercial flight and in airports, as well as vehicles travelling along the Stuart Highway.

In the air, 39 commercial flights carrying 6,600 passengers was screened from which no illicit substances or illegals was detected.

However, on the road it was a different matter.

More than 130 vehicles were screened with the support of drug detection dogs, with 80 vehicle searches resulting in the seizure of 2.76 kgs of cannabis, 2 kgs of kava and 28 litres of spirits which police say was all destined for remote restricted communities.

In Adelaide River alone, five stolen motor vehicles were apprehended, as well as one illegal firearm – a .22 calibre rifle – seized.

Operation Tuglo 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 the findings at Adelaide River were “disappointing”.

Superintendent Lee Morgan praised his team for their efforts.

“While the results from the airport checks were reassuring, the findings at the Adelaide River roadblock were disappointing,” he said.

“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.”

Superintendent Morgan said authorities would continue to target those seeking to exploit the Territory’s “remote areas”.

“Those who seek to profit from the harm of others, particularly the vulnerable, are a blight on our society and will be relentlessly pursued,” he said.

“As a whole the Territory enjoyed a safe and responsible long weekend.”

Originally published as NT Police reveal Easter long weekend road results and Operation Tuglo success