The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested five adults and seized a large quantity of kava in the East Arnhem Region.
On Wednesday 16 April 2025, police received intelligence of a large quantity of kava expected to be transported to Ramingining and Gapuwiyak.
Dog Operations Unit (DOU) coordinated a response, creating a cordoned area to intercept the alleged offenders along the Stuart Highway. They subsequently evaded police and returned in the direction of Katherine.
Additional resources were then deployed from Katherine including, the DOU with Patrol Dog Boss and Drug Dog Rambo and their handlers, Specialist Response Division, Territory Safety Division, and the National Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk.
Two vehicles were apprehended on the Stuart Highway and officers conducted a lawful search, locating several bottles of spirits, 250g of cannabis and 121kg of Kava.
Two females and three males, aged between 47 and 59, were charged with:
- Possess commercial quantity kava
- Supply commercial quantity kava
- Supply dangerous drug, schedule 2 to indigenous community
Senior Sergeant Meacham King said, "This operation demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the DOU in disrupting the flow of destructive substances into vulnerable communities.
"We will continue to target individuals who facilitate the illegal supply of regulated substances.
"This was an excellent collaboration between all our divisions, and I would like to thank all the officers involved in the swift action and apprehensions."
