Five charged by police after alleged seize of ‘trafficable’ quantity of kava and $48K in cash

During more targeted traffic stops in the Central Arnhem Region, police charged five people and seized a large amount of cash and drugs including kava.

Northern Territory Police have seized over $48,000 in cash, along with quantities of kava, cannabis, tobacco, and alcohol during targeted traffic stops in the Central Arnhem Region.

Four men and a woman have been charged after police seized $48,000 in cash along with quantities of kava, cannabis, tobacco and alcohol during two targeted traffic stops in the Central Arnhem Region.

On Monday, May 19, officers from Ramingining Police intercepted a green Toyota HiLux on the Ramingining Access Road around 20km out from the community.

Police say that during the stop a passenger fled on foot into the nearby bushland and upon searching the ute, they allegedly found quantities of alcohol, cannabis, and kava.

A 30-year-old man who was in the vehicle tray was arrested and charged with Possess Property in relation to the Commission of an Offence after officers allegedly located over $48,000 in his possession.

He was bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court on July 8.

Later that day, police stopped a second vehicle on the same road.

When the vehicle was searched, police alleged they seized tobacco, kava, alcohol, and items pointing to drug supply.

Three men and one woman, aged between 41 and 65, were arrested and charged with multiple offences. These included supplying trafficable quantity of kava, entering Aboriginal Land without a permit and selling tobacco without a retail licence.

They were remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on Tuesday.

Anyone with information regarding the unlawful supply of alcohol and drugs in remote communities is urged to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Five charged by police after alleged seize of ‘trafficable’ quantity of kava and $48K in cash