Police have charged a 31-year-old man for weapons and drugs offences.

Acting Superintendent Gavin Kennedy said Officers from the Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk, Drug Operations Unit and Southern Traffic Operations were involved in the apprehension of the man as a part of Operation Kamikaze.

“Police intercepted the driver of a BMW as it was travelling west along the Barkly Highway at the Three Ways,” Superintendent Kennedy said.

“The man allegedly made admissions to having a small quantity of “ice” in his vehicle.

“Drug Detection Dog Archie was deployed and had a positive reaction in the vehicle and approximately one gram of amphetamine was allegedly found in the centre console.

“Two spare wheels were seized in the course of the search and were later found to allegedly contain a total of 120 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

“The man provided a positive result to a drug swipe and was arrested and conveyed to Tennant Creek Hospital to provide a sample of blood.”

Superintendent Kennedy said the man was also allegedly carrying a modified semi automatic .22 calibre rifle and 500 rounds of ammunition.

He was charged with:

Possess and supply of a schedule 2 drug - commercial quantity;
Drive with prohibited drug in blood;
Possess thing administer dangerous drug
Possess prohibited firearm;
Modify prohibited firearm; and,
Possess ammunition without a license;

The man was remanded in custody to attend Court of Summary Jurisdiction in Tennant Creek on 30 April.

“Depending on where the drugs are sold the seizure has an equivalent street value of between $120,000 and $240,000. It will be alleged that the drivers’ destination was Western Australia,” Superintendent Kennedy said.

“I don’t know what the going rate is for a BMW 528i but it is certainly not the usual courier vehicle of choice on outback roads. Police will consider an application for forfeiture of the BMW.”

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