Three arrested as police seize 113kg of cannabis and $270,000 in cash
NT Police say the seizure will significantly disrupt the activities of a Vietnamese organised crime syndicate.
About 113kg of cannabis and approximately $270,000 in cash has been seized, and three men have been arrested, in a major drug interdiction operation, that NT Police said has “significantly disrupted” the activities of a Vietnamese organised crime syndicate.
The seizure occurred on Monday after a targeted traffic stop on Willard Rd in Holtze.
Intelligence gathered by Drug and Organised Crime detectives indicated the vehicle stopped was carrying a commercial quantity of cannabis intended for distribution within the Territory through established criminal networks.
Two men from Victoria aged 27 and 56 were arrested, along with a 26-year-old local man.
Detective Superintendent Lee Morgan from the Drug and Organised Crime Division said the seizure is a major blow.
“This seizure strikes at the heart of a sophisticated criminal syndicate responsible for trafficking large quantities of illicit drugs into the Northern Territory,” Detective Superintendent Morgan said.
“This is not a case of low-level offending.”
“This syndicate is part of a broader Vietnamese organised crime network intent on exploiting vulnerable communities for financial gain.”
Detective Superintendent Morgan said the reduced availability of cannabis following the seizure would interrupt the operations of street-level dealers, and limit the reach of the crime syndicate into the community.
“Removing 113 kilograms of cannabis from the supply chain will have an immediate and significant impact on the local drug market,” he said.
According to police, cannabis remains the most used illicit drug in the Northern Territory, with criminal groups using cannabis distribution as a gateway to entrench their influence and introduce more dangerous drugs.
The two Victorian men are expected to face court on Tuesday, while the local man is expected to appear on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old Victorian has been charged with supply schedule 2 drug - commercial quantity, possess schedule 2 drug - commercial quantity, receive property - commission of offence and possessing schedule 1 drug - less than trafficable quantity.
The 56-year-old Victorian and 26-year-old local were both charged with supply schedule 2 drug - commercial quantity, possess schedule 2 drug - commercial quantity and receive property - commission of offence.
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.
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Originally published as Three arrested as police seize 113kg of cannabis and $270,000 in cash
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