Recent busts and roadside drug testing in the Northern Territory show that drug use isn’t just a police issue. It’s a workplace safety concern too.
Earlier this month, NT Police stopped two men near Katherine and allegedly found 113 kilograms of cannabis in their vehicle. Police say the drugs were headed for Darwin and were meant to be sold in the local market.
Around the same time, in another part of the country, two men from Queensland were jailed after trying to smuggle cocaine into the Northern Territory. They had hidden the drugs in sneakers flown in from Colombia.
These cases may seem unrelated, but they point to the same problem — drugs keep finding their way into our communities. And while it might not seem obvious to everyone, this should be a concern for workplaces.
What Drug Busts Mean for Your Workplace
When police seize large amounts of drugs, people often think of crime rings and dealers. But drugs like cannabis and cocaine don’t stop at street level. They end up with everyday people — some of whom are employees.
These drugs can impact how someone thinks, moves, and reacts. For example, cannabis slows down decision-making and motor skills. Cocaine and methamphetamines can cause risky or aggressive behaviour. That’s a serious problem on job sites, especially in high-risk industries like mining, construction, and transport.
In the Northern Territory, where people may be working with heavy machinery and in remote locations, the risk can be even higher.
Roadside Drug Testing in NT Tells a Similar Story
Another sign that drug use is common is roadside drug testing. In the NT, these results are often alarming.
Take Operation FROME, for example. This was a recent NT Police traffic blitz covering Timber Creek, the NT/QLD border, and areas south of Alice Springs. As part of the operation, officers carried out 297 roadside drug tests. Thirty drivers tested positive — that’s one in ten.
While we’d like to report that this is unusual, it’s not. The one-in-ten ratio is commonplace in both NT and national drug testing campaigns.
If one in ten drivers are willing to take drugs and then get behind the wheel, it’s likely some of them are also turning up to work under the influence. That’s a big risk for employers.
Drugs in the Workplace Put Everyone at Risk
Drugs and alcohol don’t just affect the person using them — they affect everyone around them. A single impaired worker can cause a major incident, injure others, damage property, or worse. But the dangers don’t end there. Drug use at work can also lead to:
- Lower productivity
- Poor decision-making
- More sick days
- Theft or other misconduct
- Legal problems for the employer
That’s why more smart employers in the Northern Territory are acting now. They’re setting up clear drug and alcohol policies, educating staff, and introducing workplace drug testing programs.
Integrity Sampling Helps NT Businesses Stay Safe
Integrity Sampling works with businesses across the NT to manage the risk of drugs and alcohol in the workplace. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years and understand the unique challenges of working in the Territory.
We help businesses of all sizes by offering:
- Drug and alcohol policy support
- Staff education and training
- Random and scheduled drug and alcohol testing
- Advice on handling positive results
We have offices in Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs, which means we can respond quickly and provide support wherever you are.
Contact our NT team today to find out how we can support your workplace.
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NT drug seizures and roadside drug testing are making the news. But what do these busts and tests have to do with your workplace?
