NT Police seize huge kava haul in Galiwinku
NT Police seized a huge haul of kava and lots of cash in an Arnhem Land sting. See the photos.
Northern Territory
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NT Police have seized a huge haul of kava and cash from a remote Top End community following a tip-off.
A police spokesman said the contraband was seized from a Galiwinku residence on Tuesday afternoon.
“Around 1:35pm, police conducted a lawful search of a premises in Galiwinku Community after receiving intelligence that kava was being distributed in the area,” the spokesman said.
“During the search, police located and seized 235kg of kava and over $15,400 in cash.
“Two males aged 28 and 35 were arrested at the scene and have been charged with Poses Commercial Amount of Kava and Supply Commercial Amount of Kava.”
The two men were remanded in custody and appeared in Darwin Local Court on Thursday.
Police confiscated 121kg of kava in a separate incident in East Arnhem in April.
Kava is derived from the root of the Piper methysticum plant.
It is traditionally consumed in Pacific Island communities during ceremonies and social gatherings.
In the Northern Territory, it is typically prepared by Aboriginal communities as a drink made from powdered root mixed with water.
While possession of up to 2 kilograms is permitted under the Kava Management Act 1998, it is illegal to import, sell, supply, cultivate, or produce Kava.
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