The Northern Territory Police Force remains puzzled as to why people continue attempting to transport and possess illicit drugs while travelling through Katherine, particularly when the Dog Operations Unit is proving it is one step ahead.
Recently, the Dog Operations Unit intercepted a Mercedes truck travelling from Katherine to Perth for a random drug test. The 60-year-old male driver returned a positive roadside drug test result, earning himself an immediate traffic infringement.
Meanwhile, Drug Detection Dog Rafa wasted no time conducting a search of the vehicle. Unfortunately for the 58-year-old male passenger, Rafa's nose was as accurate as ever, locating methamphetamine and cocaine. The passenger was subsequently issued a Notice to Appear and is scheduled to face Katherine Local Court in August on two counts of possession.
But the story doesn't end there.
In a separate incident, the Dog Operations Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Katherine East, resulting in the arrest of a 37-year-old man.
Drug Detection Dogs Rafa and Swift once again demonstrated why they are among the Territory's most effective crime-fighting tools, locating methamphetamine, cannabis, cash, scales and ammunition during the search.
The man was remanded in custody and later charged with:
- Possess and Supply Schedule 1 Dangerous Drug
- Possess and Supply Schedule 2 Dangerous Drug
- Receive Property from the Commission of an Offence
- Possess Thing to Administer a Dangerous Drug
- Possess Ammunition Without a Licence or Permit
Senior Sergeant Meacham King said while some offenders continue to test their luck travelling through Katherine, Rafa, Swift and the Dog Operations Unit continue to prove that a good nose for crime is hard to beat.
"Our Drug Detection Dogs and Handlers will continue to target those who deal and transport illicit substances through coordinated approaches with investigators, as well as proactive patrolling and targeting known individuals associated with the drug trade."
