The NARLA carnival will be held from today until Tuesday at Rugby League Park and the adjoining Harris Park on Dumaresq Street opposite the swimming pool in Armidale.

A high visibility policing operation under the banner of Operation ‘Titus’ will include the use of drug detection dogs, Public Order and Riot Squad, Mounted Police, Highway Patrol, licensing and general duties officers from the New England Local Area Command, to reduce anti-social behaviour and ensure public safety.

New England Local Area Commander, Superintendent Greg Martin, said specialist units and local police will be out in force over the event weekend.

“We want spectators, competitors and the community to have a good time at the footy games that are being played in Armidale over the weekend. This is a peak sporting and cultural event, with some 50 teams expected of men’s, women’s and children’s categories.

“Police will not be tolerating anti-social or criminal behaviour and any person who deliberately acts to disrupt the games will be dealt with swiftly and removed from that location.

“There will be a range of overt and covert policing measures in place specifically targeting the Armidale township with a high police presence at every game.

“Police and the Narwan Rugby League Football Club are promoting this event as drug and alcohol free. Drug and alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour, underage drinkers, and the responsible service of alcohol will be heavily targeted with the use of licensing officers,” Superintendent Martin said.

The NSW Police Force has been working with event organisers and is hoping to have an incident-free weekend with all footy fans taking away happy memories and great footy moments.

“We’re not there to spoil anyone’s fun, but we will be there to ensure every member of the football fraternity, local community and general spectators attending the event are safe and can enjoy the football,” Superintendent Martin said.

A number of players are staying in Walcha and travelling to Armidale for the games.