The Northern Territory demonstrated yesterday how seriously it takes strict coronavirus controls with a long car pursuit from the WA border hundreds of kilometres away to Katherine.
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Early yesterday morning, about 2.30am, police allege a a 38-year-old driver failed to stop at the Western Australia border control point.
Police say the man sped through the 40kmh stopping zone at 72kmh.
He was stopped shortly after and police requested he complete the NT Border Entry Form.
Police claim the man refused and sped off along the Victoria Highway.
They later claimed the man was driving while on a drug cocktail.
About five hours later, police from Northern Traffic Operations deployed tyre deflation devices to disable the vehicle 20km west of Katherine.
The driver was arrested and taken to the Katherine Police Station.
He is expected to be charged with:
- contravening an Emergency Declaration
- exceeding the speed limit at the Border Control Point (72km/h in a 40km/h speed zone)
- failing to obey the directions of a police officer at the Border Control Point
- failing to obey the directions of police (failing to stop)
- driving with a prohibited drug in his blood (methamphetamine and cannabis)
- possess implements to administer a dangerous drug
- possess a dangerous drug
- breach bail.
The driver also has a warrant for not appearing in Darwin Local Court from May in 2016.
Superintendent Daniel Shean at Katherine said: "Border controls are in place to protect Northern Territory residents from coronavirus.
"Everyone must comply with the border controls.
"The actions of this person this morning were dangerous to our police officers whom have been posted to the borders to help protect the Territory from the coronavirus.
"These sorts of actions will not be tolerated and those that do not comply will either be fined or, as per this case, be presented to the court."
NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner also commented on social media last night the Territory is maintaining its "hard borders".
"They apply to everyone. Cops patrol them. If you try to dodge them, this is what happens."
Information for persons travelling from interstate into the Northern Territory can be found at https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/travel/interstate-arrivals.
NT Police advise all travellers to visit the internet site to ensure they comply with the border controls.
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Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
