Friday, 30 July 2010

Issued at: 13:45hrs CST

Cannabis Seizure - Central Arnhem Road


Police from the Remote Community Drug Desk and Dog Operations Unit arrested a 37-year-old man yesterday after stopping his vehicle for a routine traffic apprehension on the Central Arnhem Road, west of the Goyder River.

Drug detector dog "TAIPAN" was deployed and provided a positive reaction to the rear interior of the vehicle.

A physical search of the vehicle located:

2 cryovac packages of cannabis with an approximate weight of 900grams
a quantity of alcohol

The 900 grams of cannabis seized by police has a potential street value of approximately $90 000 in communities.

The Nhulunbuy resident was conveyed to the Maningrida Police Station and charged with the following offences:

Supply Cannabis - Commercial Quantity
Possess Cannabis - Commercial Quantity
Possess Liquor in Prescribed Area


Police also seized the vehicle. A/Superintendent Steve Heyworth of the Northern Operational Service Division said "We are continuing to see this type of drug running throughout Arnhem land. I believe this seizure is a significant disruption to the criminals who seek to make money from illegal activities in remote communities. Police will continue to target criminals like this in the remote areas of the NT as a way to make the communities safer for all".

Bail was refused and the alleged offender was remanded in custody to appear in Darwin CSJ on Tuesday 3 August 2010.




Media Contact:
Sarah Gotch
8901 0280