The Police investigation into a number of recent reports of alleged drink spiking in the Darwin entertainment precinct are continuing.

However, investigations have found some of the allegations to be unsubstantiated.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Colleen Gwynne said while drink spiking remains a significant concern for NT Police, some recent findings into reports are frustrating,

"While all reports of drink spiking are taken very seriously by NT Police, a number of recent investigations have found evidence to suggest drug ingestion was actually self inflicted.

"Police Officers have spent significant hours trawling CCTV footage, only to find what appears to be some of the 'victims' taking drugs.

"We know that there are genuine cases of drink spiking that go on all over the world; a completely cowardly crime which should never go unreported.

"But research also suggests that most claims of drink spiking are the result of someone getting too drunk and doing something they regret. This appears to be the case with some of the drink spiking reports received in Darwin recently.

"Go out, have fun but don't drink to excess, stay in control and be responsible for your actions. Look out for one another and plan to get home safely." Acting Assistant Commissioner Gwynne said.

NT Police will be saturating the urban centres for Operation Unite. The Operation will commence at 10pm this evening, Friday 17 December and run until the early hours of Sunday 19th December.

The focus of the Australasia wide Operation is to target alcohol misuse, crime, violence, anti-social behaviour.

Approximately 160 Police Officers will cover Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin including high visibility random breath testing stations.



Media Contact
Katie Fowden
0401 116 540