Drug, alcohol and behaviour offences on rap sheet for SA New Year’s arrests

More than 70 people were arrested during New Year’s celebrations across SA – but most partygoers were well-behaved despite some “poor choices”, police say.

Seventy-two people were arrested overnight during New Year’s celebrations across South Australia, with one motorist blowing nearly five times over the blood alcohol limit.

That was seven more arrests than in 2023, but SA Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Yvette Clark said most people were well-behaved with “a few making poor choices”.

The list of offences were related to drugs, alcohol and disorderly behaviour, with 3000 substance tests returning 26 positive results, three less than last year.

One-hundred and nineteen fines were issues compared to just four last year.

Ms Clark said there was a “strong police presence” in areas with high foot traffic, including the Adelaide CBD and coastal areas.

SA Police carried out 3000 drug and alcohol tests across SA during New Year’s celebrations. Picture: Supplied

“Police had an enjoyable evening mostly, with families and friends all enjoying their time out together without too many incidents,” Ms Clark said.

However, the New Year started badly for three drivers who have lost their licences after blowing three to four times over the blood alcohol limit.

A 20-year-old from Pennington allegedly returned a reading of 0.230 – nearly five times over – when police pulled him over on War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide, at around 4.45am.

The man’s licence was confiscated for 12 months and his car impounded for 28 days.

Earlier at 2.15am, on Commercial Rd, Port Adelaide, patrols stopped a 20-year-old Ovingham woman who allegedly recorded 0.196.

Just before 1am, police were called to Chesterfield Walk, Hillbank, where a 28-year-old Hillbank man was allegedly revving his car engine and appeared intoxicated, blowing 0.173.

Both of the other drivers suffered the same penalties and all three will appear in court at a later date.

Meanwhile, police also investigated a scrub fire at Highbury overnight which they believe was started by illegal fireworks.

Firefighters were sent to Lower North East Rd just before 10pm on New Year’s Eve and contained the blaze to about a hectare, according to police.

Originally published as Drug, alcohol and behaviour offences on rap sheet for SA New Year’s arrests