13 drivers were found to be over the legal alcohol limit on Friday night alone, a tally which shocked local police.

Even more damning was that ten of those nabbed were locals who ran the gauntlet despite the obvious increase in police presence over the Carnivale period.

Three drivers blew over 0.15 with the highest recording coming in at 0.186 or almost four times the legal limit. A number of unlicensed drivers were also charged.

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The strong police presence remained for the duration of the weekend, and while crowds were generally well behaved, a small number of people were arrested for other liquor related offences.

"When you're asked to leave a premises by staff you have an obligation to do so or face a $400 on the spot fine," said Port Douglas Police' Officer-in-Charge Damian Meadows.