Police seized almost $900, 000 worth of drugs in Alice Springs last week.

Members of the Drug Intelligence Unit, Drug Detector Dogs and Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk based in Alice Springs conducted several investigations, and found more than a kilo of cannabis and 112 grams of methylamphetamine.

On Tuesday 2 June, police intercepted a vehicle south of Alice Springs, and later executed a search warrant at a local motel where 454 grams of cannabis was found.

Two South Australian men, aged 42 and 32, were later charged with Possession and Supply of a trafficable quantity of cannabis and remanded in custody until June 25 2009.

On Thursday 4 June, members of the Alice Springs Drug Intelligence Unit arrested and charged a man for possession of a commercial quantity of schedule 2 drug at a bus stop in Alice Springs.

A routine search by drug detector dog "Nugget" gave a positive reaction to a 35-year-old man who was then searched by police.

The search uncovered approximately 112grms of methylamphetamine wrapped in plastic bags inside the man's personal luggage.

The man was arrested and taken to the Alice Springs Watch house and later charged with Possession of a Commercial Quantity of Schedule 2 Drug and Supply of a Commercial Quantity of a Schedule 2 Drug.

The man appeared in the Alice Springs Magistrates Court on Friday 5 June and has been remanded in custody until 14 July.

On Friday 5 June, a search by Drug Detector Dogs at a freight company found a package containing 467.7 grams of cannabis that had been sent from South Australia.

Investigations are continuing.

On Sunday 7 June, a vehicle was stopped on the South Stuart Highway for a traffic apprehension. Police located 223 grams of cannabis within the vehicle, and later charged a 53-year- old South Australian man with Possession and Supply of a Trafficable Quantity of cannabis.

The man has been remanded in custody until 25 June.

Superintendent Godwin of Regional Investigations Division said the string of busts was outstanding work done by members of the Drug Intelligence Unit, Drug Detector Dogs and Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk.

"Police will continue to target those who traffic and finance from the sale of illegal drugs, said Superintendent Godwin

"In the instance of the bust of methylamphetamine, it is rare for us to see such a large quantity. It was good work by our members to intercept it before distribution.

"This also goes to show the importance and capacity of work done by the Drug Detector Dogs."

Police have seized more then 14.5 kilograms of cannabis, 800grams of methyl amphetamine and 800 grams of MDMA (ecstasy) tablets so far this year.

Police say the drugs seized during the past week have a potential street value of $900,000.


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Chelsea Rogers
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