An operation by the Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk, with the assistance of the Northern Dog Operations Unit, resulted in 45 flights searched in an attempt to stop drug and alcohol entering remote communities.
From Monday 4 July to Sunday 11 July, the operation consisted of screening passengers and baggage aboard all scheduled flights from Darwin via Air North and Vincent Aviation to Groote Eylandt. Two charter flights to Groote Eylandt from Vincent Aviation were also screened. Random screening was also conducted on a number of flights to Palumpa,Tiwi Islands, Maningrida, Gove, Wurrawi and Elcho Island.
During the operation approximately 600 passengers were screened:
- 23 passengers were detected in possession of illicit substances.
- 13 drug infringement notices were issued.
- 7 people arrested and charged with possession of a trafficable quantity of cannabis and unlawfully supplying cannabis to another.
- 1 person issued with a Notice to Appear and another is to be summonsed for the same offences of supplying cannabis to indigenous communities.
- 1 person is to be summonsed for possession of cannabis in a public place.
A total of 1.276kg of cannabis and 8kg of kava was located during the operation. The seized cannabis holds a value of $127,600 and the seized kava holds a value of $8,000 if sold in remote communities.
Alcohol was also targeted with 3 litres of alcohol seized from checked luggage and a further 11 litres of alcohol destroyed in the vicinity of the airport.
Police would like to thank the staff and baggage handlers from Vincent Aviation, Air North, Murin Air, and Fly Tiwi for their cooperation and assistance which made the operation a success.
Media Contact
Sarah Trinne
8985 8837
