Police apprehended five persons from Katherine & Bulman last night attempting to convey a large quantity of Kava into Arnhem Land.

Police seized:
51.8kg of Kava,
7g of Cannabis,
two bottles of Jim Bean
Ford sedan

Three persons were charged and bailed at Bulman, one person summonsed and a 47 year-old man was returned to Katherine on warrants for other unrelated matters. All will be charged with the possession and supply of a commercial quantity of Kava, Possess Cannabis in a Public Place and Bring Liquor into Prescribed Area.

Drug detector dog Archie from the Katherine Dog Operations Unit was also utilised. Archie is the first dog to be trained to detect Kava in the NT and only completed this training in Darwin last week.

Superintendent Colin Smith of the Arnhem Operational Service Division said: "The training of a detector dog for Kava had only recently been conducted as a trial given the various attempts made by Kava traffickers to conceal their contraband. We now have another tool to utilise in detecting Kava trafficking throughout Arnhem Land."

Media Note - If using the attached photos please credit NT Police.

Media Contact:
Sarah Trinne
8922 3531