Drug and Organised Crime Detectives have seized 113 kilograms of cannabis and approximately $270,000 in cash in a major drug interdiction operation that has significantly disrupted the activities of a Vietnamese organised crime syndicate operating across state borders. A small amount of cocaine was also seized.
The seizure occurred on Monday 2 June, after a targeted traffic stop on Willard Road in Holtze. Intelligence indicated the vehicle was transporting a commercial quantity of cannabis intended for distribution within the Territory through established criminal networks.
Detective Superintendent Lee Morgan from the Drug and Organised Crime Division said the seizure is a major blow to those attempting to profit from the harm inflicted on Territory communities.
"This seizure strikes at the heart of a sophisticated criminal syndicate responsible for trafficking large quantities of illicit drugs into the Northern Territory," said Detective Superintendent Morgan.
"This is not a case of low-level offending. This syndicate is part of a broader Vietnamese organised crime network intent on exploiting vulnerable communities for financial gain."
"Removing 113 kilograms of cannabis from the supply chain will have an immediate and significant impact on the local drug market. The reduced availability of cannabis will interrupt the operations of street-level dealers and limit the reach of this syndicate into our community."
Cannabis remains the most used illicit drug in the Northern Territory. Its misuse is closely linked to a range of community harms, including mental health issues, domestic violence, road trauma, and reduced outcomes in education and employment.
Criminal groups use cannabis distribution as a gateway to entrench their influence and introduce more dangerous drugs into the market.
This operation is part of an ongoing commitment by the NT Police Force to dismantle criminal networks that attempt to profit at the expense of public safety.
Two men from Victoria aged, 27 and 56, and a local 26-year-old man were arrested. The two Victorian men are expected to appear in court today with the local man expected to appear on Wednesday 4 June.
The 27-year-old male has been charged with:
- Supply schedule 2 drug - Commercial quantity
- Possess schedule 2 drug - Commercial quantity
- Receive property - Commission of Offence.
- Possessing schedule 1 drug - Less than traffickable quantity
The 56-year-old man was charged with:
- Supply schedule 2 drug - Commercial quantity
- Possess schedule 2 drug - Commercial quantity
- Receive property - Commission of Offence
The local 26-year-old man was charged with:
- Supply schedule 2 drug - Commercial quantity
- Possess schedule 2 drug - Commercial quantity
- Receive property - Commission of Offence
Anyone with information on the supply of alcohol or drugs to our communities can call police on 131 444 or make an anonymously report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
