Pest controller Kyle Carleton caught in NT Police bust

A Territory pest controller will be forced to explain why $23,560 in cash, an illegal weapon and a pile of methamphetamines were allegedly found in his vehicle.

A pest controller will be forced to explain why $23,560 in cash, an illegal weapon and a pile of methamphetamines were allegedly found in his vehicle.

Kyle James Carleton, 32, appeared in Darwin Local Court on Friday after being pulled over on the Stuart Highway, at Pinelands, at 5pm, Thursday.

Officers allegedly busted Carleton with a .38 calibre revolver, ammunition, more than $20,000 in cash and a trafficable quantity of methamphetamine.

Defence barrister Matthew Hubber indicated his 32-year-old client would be pleading guilty to the firearms offences and a minor drug possession charge.

Mr Hubber said there was an obligation on his client to explain the wad of $23,560 in cash sitting in his car.

“Which we say he can do,” Mr Hubber said.

However he did not indicate a plea for the more serious allegations of supplying less than a commercial quantity of methamphetamines, which is between 2g and 40g.

Mr Hubber said his client would wait until the results of a drug analysis before indicating a plea.

Prosecutors said there was a six-week timeline for the drug results and four weeks for the forensic evidence.

After hearing this Judge Therese Austin muttered to herself “miracles are happening here”, while Mr Hubber said that timeline would set a “record”.

Carleton was charged with possessing an unregistered firearm and ammunition without a licence, failing to meet storage requirements, possessing property in commission of an offence, and drug supply and possession.

The 32-year-old is listed as a pest management technician, according to the Northern Territory June registry.

His matter was adjourned to November 26 for a preliminary examination mention at Darwin Local Court.