Joint Operation -Avon Downs

All vehicles travelling the Barkly Highway near Avon Downs late last week were pulled over and checked in what was one of the biggest joint police operations held this year.

Police from the Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk (SAID), together with members of the Dog Operations Unit and inspectors from the Motor Vehicle Registry joined Police from Mt Isa, Avon Downs and Camooweal in the three-day operation targeting the transport of drugs across State borders.

Senior Constable Adam Van Oosten from the SAID, which is based in Alice Springs, said the operation saw hundreds of vehicles pulled over and checked between the hours of 8am and 4pm on November 4, 5 and 6th.

"There were 355 breath tests and licence checks conducted , 644 vehicle inspections, and 17 vehicles checked for drugs including 8 road trains," Sen Constable Van Oosten said.

" Five people were issued with traffic infringement notices and five with drug infringement notices after police seized 17 grams of Cannabis. Ten cars were also defected during the campaign and one drink driver was arrested.

"While the drug seizures were relatively minor, the more important success of this operation was that it sent a clear message to those involved in trying to transport illicit substances over State borders that police will continue to mount these cross border joint operations to catch traffickers and share intelligence."

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