As part of the Christmas and New Year Road Safety Campaign, NT Police last night mounted Operation Azer II, a New Years Eve operation targeting the Darwin CBD.

The operation was made up of members from City Safe, General Duties, Mounted Police, Dog Operations Unit, Rapid Response Unit, Territory Response Section and Investigators.

These members patrolled the city streets as well licensed premises throughout the Darwin and Palmerston areas, resulting in 165 people being taken into police custody.

Of those apprehended, four were arrested for various offences, 19 received summary infringement notices, 112 people were moved on and 47 litres of alcohol was destroyed.

Northern Traffic Operation members patrolling our roads were also kept busy throughout the night, breath testing 1 079 drivers.

As a result of this, 16 drink drivers were detected, one driver returned a positive roadside drug screen, 41 were issued with traffic infringement notices and 17 vehicles were defected.

Of those, nine people were arrested and 10 will be summonsed to appear in court for various offences.

Watch Commander Chris Lyndon said all members involved in the operation as well as those out on the roads conducting Random Breath Testing Stations were kept extremely busy.

"Police experienced a very demanding evening and early morning period as partygoers welcomed in the new year across the Territory.

"Numerous people were taken into police custody for offences ranging from assault and loitering, to resisting police and drink driving.

"Police, Fire and Rescue and Emergency Services worked tirelessly throughout the evening to keep Territorian's safe.

"As a result of this and members of the public who demonstrated responsible behaviour, our roads remained fatality free and no major assaults or incidents were reported to police.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone across the Territory a safe and prosperous new year" he said.


Media contact:
Amy Sloan
0417 770686