Detectives from the Northern SAID (Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk) and the Dog Operation Unit from Katherine executed Operation Lytham at the weekend arresting a Katherine man aged 35 and a 34-year-old man from Rapid Creek.

Police said they were targeting known suppliers of illicit drugs to remote indigenous communities in the Top End. Police detained a vehicle approximately 50 kilometres north of Elliott early Sunday morning 27 January. Detectives located and seized 3.64 kilograms of cannabis secreted in a spare tyre and 4 ecstasy tablets.

Detective Senior Sergeant Clint Sims said the cannabis had the potential to net the men over $350,000 if sold in remote communities.

“That sort of money being taken out of our communities causes wide spread harm and is why the SAID officer’s continue to crackdown on those intent on profiting from exploiting aboriginal people.”

Both men were charged with;

Possessing and supplying a commercial quantity of cannabis;

Possessing a schedule 2 substance; and

Possessing an implement to administer dangerous drugs.

Both were remanded in custody to appear in Katherine Magistrates Court this morning.