Three "grossly intoxicated" Saudi Arabian men were kept in police detox for more than six hours after one continued to make prehistoric bird noises in Queenstown.
The men arrived at Cow Lane by taxi at midnight on Thursday and an ambulance was called because one was "intoxicated to such a level", said Senior Sergeant Chris Blackford, of Queenstown police.
"He came out of his alcoholic haze but because he continued to make noises like a prehistoric bird, he and his two mates were kept in police custody."
While in the police cells the three, aged 19, 28 and 29, urinated and vomited, including on the mattresses.
Snr Sgt Blackford said the men were made to clean the majority of the mess but the remainder was finished by police staff after the men were released at 6.30am on Friday.
He said under the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Act police must look after excessively intoxicated people until they are able to look after themselves, and no charges were laid.
Saudi Arabian culture, and subsequently law, prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Two youths, aged 17 and 18, were arrested outside Wanaka's Water Bar on Thursday night and have been charged with assault.
Constable Greg Nolet said yesterday the two attempted to gain entry to the bar but were "extremely drunk" and were being escorted away by a doorman. One is charged with assaulting the doorman and breaching Wanaka's liquor ban. The other is charged with assaulting the woman.
