NT Police Dog Operations Unit Stops Drugs and Alcohol from Entering Vulnerable Communities

The Northern Territory Police Dog Operations Unit with assistance from Maranboy Police continues its ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable communities from the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol.

Two vehicles were pulled over during a roadblock on the Central Arnhem Highway. A woman exited one of the vehicles and fled into nearby scrubland. Drug Dog Rafa was deployed to locate a handbag containing 43 grams of Cannabis stashed in a thick bush.

The second vehicle was found to carry 24 litres of alcohol bound for Barunga. The driver was issued a liquor infringement notice, and the alcohol was seized.

Police later located the woman several kilometres from the highway. She was issued a drug infringement notice and conveyed to Barunga.

Senior Sergeant Mick Lunney, Officer in Charge of the Dog Operations Unit, said, “Remote officers face a daunting challenge in their efforts to combat the illegal supply of alcohol and drugs into remote communities. The Dog Operations Unit has proven to be an invaluable resource in these situations.

By travelling out to remote communities, their expertly trained dogs can detect and identify illegal substances with remarkable accuracy. This greatly enhances the effectiveness of remote police in their efforts to keep these communities safe from the harms associated with illicit drug and alcohol use.”

Anyone with information on the supply of alcohol or drugs to 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.