Members of the Katherine Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk, Dog Operations Unit (Katherine and Darwin) and the Remote Community Drug Desk (Darwin) completed a week long Operation targeting illicit drugs and kava this morning. The operation targeted flights bound for remote locations including Groote Eylandt, Maningrida, Ramingining, Milingimbi, Nhulunbuy, Bathurst Island, Croker Island, Snake Bay and Wadeye. In total 63 flights were screened yielding over 1050 grams of cannabis and 29kgs of kava in 18 separate seizures. If sold in communities, the cannabis would hold a street value of approximately $100,000 and the kava over $29,000. Overall, three persons were arrested for Possession of a Trafficable Quantity of Cannabis and Unlawfully Supply Cannabis to Another. Five people have been summonsed to appear in court on drug charges and seven people received Drug Infringement Notices. One man was cautioned in relation to Kava offences. One driver was arrested for drink driving and later released to be summonsed for Driving with a Medium Range Blood Alcohol Content (BAC 0.132%) after being seen acting suspiciously near one of the Darwin Airport terminals. "Police will continue to target drug and kava dealers in an effort to keep illicit drugs out of remote communities" said Superintendent Colin Smith of the Arnhem and Western Division. "The significant funding we receive from FaHCSIA allows us to persist with these ongoing large scale operations both in Darwin and right across Top End Communities. Drug dealers hoping to fly illicit substances into regional areas should take heed that Police will continue targeting regional flights on a regular basis.