Liquor seizure – Southern Region

Northern Territory Police have seized a large quantity of alcohol destined for remote communities in the Southern Region.

On Wednesday, investigators from the Southern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk and the Cross Broder Team apprehended a vehicle travelling along the Stuart Highway, Alice Springs.

A search of the vehicle located 25 casks of wine believed destined for nearby alcohol protected areas.

The 35-year-old driver was issued with a Notice to Appear for drug and driving offences.

It comes after a similar seizure of alcohol by police in the remote community of Alpurrurulam over the weekend. Multiple bottles of spirits and wine casks were seized within the community, believed to have been transported from across the border with Queensland.

Commander James Gray-Spence said “NT Police remain at the coal face of alcohol related harm, and its supply and distribution into restricted areas will be met with swift response from officers.

“We have proactive, versatile teams that are focussed on combating the frequent smuggling we see on Territory Highways. There is no excuse for this predatory behaviour and we are urging members of the public to report illicit supply when they see it.”

Anyone with information on the supply of illegal alcohol or drugs into our communities can call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

/Public Release. View in full here.