The arrests of two Territory police officers after allegedly being busted with cocaine has shocked many of their colleagues, who believe drug-taking on the force is “extremely uncommon”.

NT cops are facing the prospect of mandatory drug and alcohol testing after the 43-year-old male officer and 28-year-old female officer were charged with drug offences and suspended without pay following a raid in Palmerston on Friday.

The NT Independent has spoken to several of the pair’s colleagues following the arrests, who all say drug activity amongst Territory police officers is exceptionally rare.

“I’m actually really shocked by it, really surprised,” one colleague said.

“I’ve never heard of any cops in the NT taking drugs of any sort.”

The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) has announced it will be visiting police stations in the Darwin area and contacting colleagues to offer support following the arrests.

NTPA president Paul McCue said the prospect of introducing drug and alcohol testing raised following the arrests was “not a new concept”.

“The NTPA has been in communication with government and senior police executive for several years regarding the proposal for NT Police to introduce a testing procedure similar to all other jurisdictions in the country,” he said.

“This has not progressed for some time and we will advise members if further correspondence is received, following this announcement.”

Another colleague of the arrested pair said the majority of police officers across the NT would welcome any testing, provided it was made mandatory across the board.

“Personally I’ve got no issues with getting tested, but it should really be everybody,” the officer said.

“Are ambulance and fireys going to do it? Are the members of parliament going to do it?”

Deputy Commissioner Murray Smalpage said on Saturday discussions were underway with Police Minister Nicole Manison to “look at the provision of alcohol and drug testing police officers as a measure to identify and keep our officers safe”.