Police seize drugs, guns from remote outback drug lab on NT-Qld border

NT POLICE have busted a deconstructed clandestine laboratory, meth and cannabis at a remote property on the NT and Queensland border in the Barkly region.

The firearms NT Police seized in the operation. Picture: PFES Media

NT POLICE have busted a deconstructed clandestine laboratory, meth and cannabis at a remote property on the NT and Queensland border in the Barkly region.

The lab, along with 10 guns – several of which were sawed off, ammunition and trafficable quantities of methamphetamine and cannabis were allegedly found by detectives during a joint operation between Queensland and NT police over the weekend.

A 51-year-old man has been arrested and taken to the Harts Range Police Station, where he was charged with a range of offences in relation to the seizure.

The offences include:

• Possess Schedule 1 Drug – Trafficable Quantity
• Possess Scheduled 2 Drug – Trafficable Quantity
• Possess Scheduled 2 precursors
• Possess articles used for manufacturing dangerous drug
• Possess thing to administer drug
• Possess category B firearm without licence
• Possess prohibited firearm
• Possess silencer
• Possess ammunition
• Fail to meet storage requirements

The man is due to face Alice Springs Local Court on June 9.

Two other occupants on the property, a 27-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man, were issued with Notices to Appear before the Alice Springs Local Court.

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Southern Regional Investigations Superintendent Joanne Foley said the firearms and drugs was bound for vulnerable communities, and the seizure had been a result of the relationship between NT and Queensland police.

“We will continue to work with other jurisdictions to successfully remove the illicit and harmful substances and drugs which have an enormous impact on our communities and towns,” she said.

“This operation is an excellent example of that work.”