Approximately $100,000 worth of Kava has been seized after a raid on a Katherine home yesterday.

Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk (SAID) Detectives and Dog Operation Unit, in conjunction with Katherine Detectives, seized 100 kilograms of Kava.

Kava detection dog, Archie, provided a positive response to a number of suitcases in a bedroom.

4,700 individual deal bags of Kava were found.

The Kava is estimated to be worth approximately $100,000 if sold in communities.

Two men, aged 28 and 29, were arrested and have been charged with the following drug offences;

Possession of a commercial quantity of Kava
Supply of a commercial quantity of Kava
The offenders have been bailed to appear in Katherine Magistrates Court on 6th June, 2011.

Police throughout the region have stepped up detection strategies, as community roads open across Arnhem Land, in an attempt to stop illicit drugs and Kava from entering communities.



"The street value of this seizure is approximately $100,000, this is a potentially significant amount of money coming out of the community and directly into the pockets of the criminals supplying the product", Detective Sergeant Ken Bradshaw said.


Any person with information regarding the trafficking of drugs and Kava are asked to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.



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