Members of the Northern Territory Police Drug Enforcement Section conducted operations outside of Katherine yesterday as part of Operation Wodalla. Operation Wodalla was established in order to investigate the activities of members and associates of an organised crime group in the movement of bulk quantities of cannabis into the Northern Territory.

At about 3.15 pm members of the Drug Enforcement Section, with the assistance of Katherine General Duties' officers and Katherine Dog Operations Unit, intercepted a white Toyota Landcruiser with Victorian registration, towing a caravan.

The vehicle and caravan were searched and Drug Dog Leo indicated a positive response to the caravan. As a result of the search 5.8 kilograms of cannabis was located.

The 45-year-old male driver, believed to be a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang, was arrested and conveyed to the Katherine Watch House and later charged with:

Possess cannabis (commercial quantity)
Supply cannabis (commercial quantity)

Bail was refused and the man was remanded in custody to appear in the Katherine Court tomorrow (Tuesday 31 March).

At about 3.20 pm members also intercepted a white Datsun 4WD with Victorian registration containing two occupants. A search was conducted of this vehicle and Drug Dog Leo indicated a positive response to the rear seat area where 3.5 grams of cannabis was located.

The 45-year-old male driver of that vehicle will be summonsed to appear in the Katherine Court for the possession of that cannabis.

The 5.8 kilograms of cannabis seized had a potential street value in the Northern Territory of approximately $300 000.

Media note: A vision and interview opportunity will be available at 2.00 pm today with Detective Superintendent Peter Bravos in the Media Conference Room, Peter McAulay Centre


Media contact:
Sue Bradley
8922 3531