Man, woman charged following huge alleged kava seizure in Galiwinku

Police have charged a man and a woman after 196kg of kava was allegedly found at a Galiwinku residence.

Welcome to the NT News’ weekly Top End rolling police, crime, traffic, fire and breaking news blog. Keep up with the latest in the Top End – from Katherine to Darwin, West Daly, Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands.

November 20, 2pm: Northern Territory Police say they have seized a huge haul of kava in Galiwinku on Tuesday.

Police in a statement said they received a tip-off a quantity of kava was being stored at a residence on Nalkanna St in Galiwinku.

They allege the search led them to discover 196kg of kava concealed in suitcases.

A 63-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman were charged and will face Galiwinku Local Court.

The alleged discovery comes one month after a 40-year-old Gapuwiyak man was arrested after police say they found 31kg of the ‘illicit substance’.

Remote Sergeant Dylan Hart said kava continued to be an issue in some remote Arnhem Land communities.

“The misuse of kava contributes to ongoing health issues and economic challenges and remains a significant concern in remote communities,” he said.

“We will continue to take strong action against any illicit substances entering restricted areas.

“Police would like to thank the community for their on-going support in identifying the supply and distribution of kava in remote communities.”

Woman allegedly sexually attacked by stranger at Top End oval

Moulden Oval was burned after cracker night disrupting Northern Sharks training.

November 20, 11am: Northern Territory police have arrested a man in relation to an alleged sexual assault in Moulden on Tuesday night.

About 8pm, a man allegedly followed a woman walking near Moulden Oval before forcing her to the ground, where police say she was sexually assaulted.

On Wednesday morning, detectives from the Sex Crimes Unit arrested a 27-year-old man in relation to the incident.

He has since been charged with one count of attempted sexual intercourse without consent.

Police refused him bail and he is set to appear in court on Thursday.

Moulden Oval, the scene of the alleged sexual assault

Police believe the man was not known to the victim and investigations are continuing.

Northern Territory Police urge anyone who witnessed the assault or has CCV footage of the incident to come forward and call 131 444 and quote reference number P24321026. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man stung allegedly smuggling drugs into dry communities

November 19, 4pm: A tip off has led police to intercept a car at Cahill’s Crossing carrying illicit drugs and alcohol into Arnhem Land.

Northern Territory Drug and Organised Crime Division charged a 31-year-old man for supplying commercial quantities of cannabis in relation to the November 10 incident.

In a statement, police said they received a tip that a Mitsubishi Pajero carrying illicit drugs was travelling towards West Arnhem Land after visiting the rural areas in Darwin.

Pic: NT Police.

Pic: NT Police.

Gunbalanya officers intercepted the car at Cahills Crossing and issued a search warrant, finding six pounds of cannabis, two 700ml bottles of spirit and 2000 empty clip seal bags.

The car was seized, and the driver was charged with multiple drug offences including supplying commercial quantities of a schedule 2 drug and bringing prohibited liquor into a restricted area.

“We are committed to targeting the supply of cannabis into our remote communities,” Senior Constable Mark Bond said.

“The distribution of illicit substances not only undermines the health and wellbeing of the community but also contributes to social and economic harm.

“We will continue to disrupt the supply and distribution of illicit substances at every opportunity.”

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.

Two arrested after dramatic Arnhem Hwy car chase

November 19, 2pm: Police have arrested two people after tracking an allegedly stolen car more than 200km.

At 10.40pm on Saturday, police were notified a Hyundai Kona had allegedly been stolen by man from a service station in Darwin City.

Officers attended the scene and Strike Force Trident later conducted investigations, which included obtaining CCTV footage.

On Monday, Strike Force Trident received a tip the stolen vehicle was travelling outbound along the Stuart Highway before turning onto the Arnhem Highway heading east.

A response was co-ordinated in conjunction with the Dog Operations Unit and Jabiru Police.

A tyre deflation device was unsuccessfully deployed in Marrakai, with the alleged offenders able to evade the trap and lead police on a chase along the Arnhem Highway towards Jabiru. A second tyre deflation trap was successful, forcing the car to come to a stop about 50km outside of Jabiru.

A 26-year-old male driver and 23-year-old female passenger were arrested without incident.

The driver was charged with multiple property and traffic offences while the passenger was charged with property offences and domestic violence related offences.

Both were remanded to face court on Tuesday.

Originally published as Man, woman charged following huge alleged kava seizure in Galiwinku