Operation Tribus weekend results

South Australia Police, in collaboration with Victorian Police, New South Wales Police, and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, successfully conducted Operation Tribus from November 14 to November 18. This joint operation aimed to address cross-border criminal activity and current road policing trends, with a focus on reducing criminal activities and road trauma through a coordinated, high-visibility police presence.

The operation saw a strong police presence across four days in South Australia, with 51 police officers involved from SAPOL including officer from the Dog Operations unit and the State Traffic Enforcement unit. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator supported the operation as well, with 50% of trucks stopped and inspected by the regulator found to be non-compliant.

As part of the operation, police also focused on dangerous driving behaviour with the aim of reducing serious road trauma in the region.

The operation saw a high number of police patrols on the Sturt Highway, Barrier Highway, Dukes Highway and country backroads targeting traffic coming in and out from Victoria and New South Wales.

During the operation, police detected four alcohol affected drivers and four drug affected drivers, after conducting more than 1645 Alcotests and 98 Oral Fluid Tests.

* A 34-year-old woman from Penola was stopped by police in Keith, before returning a blood alcohol reading of 0.080. Her licence was immediately suspended for 6 months.

* A 33-year-old woman from Mount Gambier was stopped by police in Keith. She returned a positive oral fluid sample to cannabis. She was issued a 24-hour driver direction notice and was issued a 3-month instant loss of licence to take effect after 28 days. She will be expiated upon confirmation for a positive result by Forensic Science SA.

Police also issued 33 vehicle defect notices and handed out 69 traffic infringement notices for various offences including speeding, unregistered vehicle, driving unlicensed, drink and drug driving. One person was arrested, and eight others were reported and will face court at a later date.

Superintendent Cynthia Healey, Officer in Charge of Murray Mallee LSA said “This year, South Australia Police proudly committed 51 dedicated members from various local service areas, supported by specialised units and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, showcasing our unwavering dedication and teamwork to ensure the operation’s success.”

“Operation Tribus is dedicated to targeting dangerous driving behaviours with the goal of reducing serious road trauma in our state. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that our roads remain safe for everyone to travel on, reflecting our commitment to road safety and community well-being.”

“This was a fantastic opportunity for South Australia Police, New South Wales Police, Victoria Police, and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to come together on a joint operation. Our united efforts ensure that those committing offences and using the roads to cross state lines do not go undetected, reinforcing our commitment to safety and justice.”