Northern Territory Police and Queensland Police conducted a joint operation on the Barkly Highway over the weekend.

Acting Superintendent Melinda Edwards said that Operation Oscar Riverbed was a cross border operation targeting major transport corridors, focussing on illicit substances and sly grog moving into regional and remote communities.

“The operation members from the Darwin Traffic Unit, NT Police Drug and Organised Crime Unit, Avon Downs and Alpurrulam Police Station members, Camooweal Police Station members, Mt Isa members and members from the Queensland Road Policing Unit from Brisbane,” she said.

“All vehicles crossing the border were checked. Police also conducted vehicle searches at a truck parking bay 10km east of Camooweal in Queensland.

“Police seized and destroyed 116 litres of liquor in 29 four-litre casks that was en route to the community of Arlpurrulum.

“They also issued 14 Traffic Infringement Notices, a Defect Notice and a Drug Infringement Notice for a quantity of cannabis that was seized by Police.

“Operation Oscar Riverbed has prevented a large quantity of liquor entering into an alcohol-free community. The devastating impact that alcohol has on remote communities is reduced when large quantities destined for these areas are seized and destroyed.

“The emphasis and the attention given overall to road safety is also a significant success for the Cross Border Team.”