Northern Territory Police have charged multiple people with serious offences following a four-day road safety and drug detection operation.
Between 22 and 25 July 2026, members from Drug and Organised Crime, Darwin Traffic Operations and the Dog Operations Unit conducted a declared Drug Detection Area (DDA) and traffic enforcement operation around Adelaide River, targeting vehicles travelling to and from the Greater Darwin Region.
The operation focused on reducing the risks posed by drink and drug driving, ensuring vehicles were roadworthy and preventing the movement of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Several arrests were made throughout the operation, including:
- A 19-year-old man who was allegedly driving a vehicle carrying 13 adult occupants, along with a quantity of alcohol, while disqualified from driving and in breach of his bail conditions.
- A 36-year-old man who allegedly fled the Drug Detection Area before being intercepted near Adelaide River. He allegedly returned a high-range breath alcohol reading and later damaged a police vehicle while in custody.
- Two people wanted on outstanding warrants were arrested and remanded in custody.
- A 29-year-old woman was issued a Notice to Appear after allegedly being found in possession of a traffickable quantity of cannabis.
- A man was arrested after allegedly breaching his bail conditions.
- Another man was charged with breaching a Domestic Violence Order.
Across the four-day operation, police achieved the following results:
- 119 drivers breath tested
- Three drivers detected with high-range blood alcohol concentrations
- One driver detected with a medium-range blood alcohol concentration
- One driver detected with a low-range blood alcohol concentration
- 47 roadside drug tests conducted
- Four drivers allegedly returned positive roadside drug tests
- Approximately 1 gram of methamphetamine seized
- Approximately 180 grams of cannabis seized
- 10 Notices to Appear issued for drink driving, drug driving and drug-related offences
- 40 traffic infringement notices issued, with many relating to overloaded vehicles, seatbelt offences and unrestrained children
- One vehicle defect notice issued
Detective Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard said police would continue targeting dangerous behaviour on Territory roads.
“Operations like this are about identifying people who are putting themselves and other road users at risk.”
“Over four days, officers detected drink and drug drivers, overloaded vehicles, people wanted on outstanding warrants and individuals allegedly carrying illicit drugs. Those are exactly the types of offences we’re looking to disrupt.”
“We’ll continue running highly visible road safety and drug detection operations across the Territory because drivers who choose to break the law should expect to be stopped and held accountable.”
Police remind motorists that declared Drug Detection Areas and roadside enforcement operations can occur anywhere, at any time, and encourage all road users to plan ahead, obey the road rules and never drive while affected by alcohol or drugs.
