The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested four people and seized three kilograms of methamphetamine following an ongoing investigation into the interstate supply of illicit drugs into the Territory.
Around 12:30am on Thursday 9 October 2025, detectives from the Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) and Gangs Task Force (GTF) supported by Australian Border Force officers executed a search warrant at Darwin Airport.
A 32-year-old female from Queensland was allegedly found in possession of two kilograms of methamphetamine concealed within her checked luggage and was arrested at the scene.
A 25-year-old male, who was allegedly waiting in the airport pick-up area to collect the woman, was arrested a short time later.
Detectives executed a further search warrant at a residence in Palmerston, where approximately 180 grams of cocaine, 28 grams of methamphetamine and items indicative of drug supply were seized. A 29-year-old male was arrested at the location.
All three alleged offenders have been charged with:
- Supplying a commercial quantity of a Schedule 1 dangerous drug
- Possession of tainted property relating to the seizure
And were remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court 10 October 2025.
These arrests follow an earlier arrest on 26 September 2025, when detectives conducted a lawful search of a property in Fannie Bay, where they located and seized one kilogram of methamphetamine linked to the same syndicate. A 20-year-old male was arrested and charged with Possession and Supplying a commercial quantity of a Schedule 1 dangerous drug.
He was remanded to appear in court on 26 November 2025.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Lawson said, "This operation should serve as a warning to anyone attempting to import dangerous drugs into the Territory.
"The three kilograms seized had a potential street value of around $3 million, money they attempted to make at the expense of vulnerable Territorians.
"These substances destroy lives and families, and we will continue to do everything we can to disrupt the flow into the community."
AFP Detective acting Superintendent Mal Bickford said the arrest highlighted the AFP's commitment to combatting drug trafficking.
"The AFP and our partners are committed to identifying those responsible for the importation of these illegal drugs and their intended distribution across Australian communities," Detective acting Superintendent Bickford said.
"Criminal syndicates go to great lengths to conceal their activities, but that will never deter the AFP and its partners."
ABF Acting Inspector Harrison Springfield said people attempting to smuggle illicit drugs across the border should be warned, you will be caught.
"Our intelligence-led operations and advanced technologies are continuously evolving to identify and disrupt drug trafficking networks at every stage.
"This seizure is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our officers and our ongoing commitment to staying ahead of criminal enterprises. We will continue to adapt and innovate to protect Australia's borders and communities from the threat of illegal drugs."
