The Northern Territory Police Force has seized a significant quantity of alcohol destined for remote communities in the West Daly Region.

The Territory Support Division deployed to the region to support community safety and disrupt the secondary supply of alcohol in the area.

This morning at 1:30am, officers attempted to apprehend a vehicle of interest on Daly River Road. The vehicle allegedly failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. A tyre deflation device was successfully deployed, and the vehicle came to a stop a short distance away where the occupants excited and fled into nearby bushland. 

A lawful search of the vehicle was conducted, and officers located and seized over 70 litres of alcohol with an estimated value of $800 per bottle.

Following this, three additional separate vehicles failed to stop when officers attempted apprehensions, with tyre deflation devices being deployed and pursuits being initiated. Each of the vehicles were abandoned on Port Keats Road and the occupants fleeing into bushland.

The vehicles were searched, and a further quantity of alcohol was seized from on/two of the vehicles.

The alleged offenders remain outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.

In total, 160 bottles of alcohol were seized during the operation, with the estimated secondary supply value of $103,000. Additionally, 4 ounces of cannabis was seized.

Senior Sergeant Joshua Cunningham said, “The secondary supply of alcohol in restricted communities is exploitative and unacceptable.

“The social and financial harm that flows from this supply of alcohol cannot be overstated.

“These interceptions have undoubtedly minimised potential harm in Daly River Region, and we will continue to disrupt these attempts to exploit vulnerable communities financially.”