Operation Popeye saw a complete lock-down of the main access roads into remote communities in Central Australia recently.

Acting Superintendent Travis Wurst said the two-day operation involved police from Alice Springs, Yuendumu, Yulara and Ti Tree and members of the Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk and the Dog Operations Unit from Katherine. Police locked down the major arterial roads leading into the Central Desert communities on Thursday and Friday.

Police seized 112 litres of alcohol including ten 700ml bottles of spirits and a large number of cartons of beer.

"Police also conducted more than 970 roadside breath tests and detected seven drink drivers," A/Supt Wurst said.

" Police issued 69 traffic infringement notices and 16 motorists will also be summonsed to court for traffic offences. Four drug infringement notices were also issued after police seized 14 grams of Cannabis.

"This was a well-co-ordinated operation over two days targeting traffic offences and grog-running into Aboriginal communities," A/Supt Wurst said.

" What was particularly satisfying was seeing the number of cars in remote locations whose drivers were obviously waiting for the grog to arrive. The seizure of so much alcohol destined for these communities obviously stopped a lot of anti-social and violent behaviour which could otherwise have occurred. These operations are run on a regular basis and we will continue to target these areas to ensure those living on remote communities can do so without the fear of violent disturbances brought on by the abuse of alcohol."

Media Contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
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