In late August, the NT Police Force conducted a three-day joint operation at Darwin Airport and Cullen Bay Ferry Terminal, involving the Dog Operations Unit, Territory Safety Division and Darwin Social Order members. The operation aimed to disrupt the movement of illicit drugs and alcohol destined for remote communities.
On Wednesday 20 August, officers located 1.36 kilograms of cannabis concealed inside boxes of washing powder hidden in baggage destined for Elcho Island. Investigations into the supplier of the cannabis remain ongoing.
The following day, Thursday 21 August, 220 grams of cannabis was found in an unaccompanied bag on a regional flight. Two persons of interest have been identified, and investigations remain ongoing.
On Friday 22 August, a 71-year-old female was apprehended after attempting to avoid police at the regional flight terminal at Darwin Airport. A search of her taxi under section 120c located a trafficable quantity of cannabis. She was issued a Notice to Appear for:
• Possession of a dangerous drug - trafficable quantity
• Supply of a dangerous drug in an Indigenous community - less than commercial quantity.
Senior Constable Scott Pearson said, "Over the three-day operation, police seized a total of 2.3 kilograms of cannabis and destroyed six litres of alcohol.
"Drug Dog Diesel was instrumental in each of the seizures, with his detection skills proving vital to intercepting cannabis before it could reach remote communities.
"We will continue to disrupt the flow of restricted and illicit substances into remote communities and ensure those responsible are brought before the courts."
