Members of the Remote Community Drug Desk executed a search warrant at a residence in Leanyer today.

During the search five suitcases containing Kava divided into bags of 100 deal lots were located along with eight bottles of spirits. Police allege the Kava and alcohol was in the process of being loaded into a Ford Falcon station wagon.

A 42-year-old man was arrested and conveyed to the Darwin Watch House and has been charged with possess commercial quantity of Kava and possess liquor in a restricted area (the premises were restricted under the Liquor Act).

Total weight of Kava seized is 66.65 kilograms and the estimated value is $108 000. The Ford Falcon station wagon was also seized and is to be forfeited.

Police allege the Kava and alcohol was to be transported to an outstation near Maningrida.

The man was bailed to appear in the Maningrida Court on 6 February.

Media note: Photos of the kava are available from the Media Unit


Media contact:
Sue Bradley
8922 3531