Northern Territory Police conducted nearly 180 drug tests and more than 10,000 breath tests across the Territory during the Christmas/New Year road safety campaign.

Operation Roland ran for three weeks across the festive season, and finishes up yesterday.

“Road users during the holiday period are traditionally at a higher risk for crashes due to the increased traffic on our roads,” said Acting Superintendent Paul Faustmann.

“The purpose of Operation Roland was to detect and remove drug and alcohol affected drivers in an effort to reduce road-related trauma during the Christmas and New Year period.”

A total of 17 people were arrested and 61 notices to appear were issued for traffic-related offences.

“Overall, the majority of road users were well-behaved. However, more than 60 people were still caught drink driving,” A/Supt Faustmann said.

“Five people unnecessarily lost their lives in December. That’s five families whose Christmases were ruined.”

During the operation, police conducted random drug testing on drivers, with nine people returning positive results for illicit drugs.

“With the new technology available for drug testing, it has allowed police to increase the number of drivers who can be tested.

“It’s the beginning of a new year. Police encourage the community to join in on the joint new year’s resolution of ‘no more lives lost on our roads’.”