Operation Ewok targeted the transportation of Alcohol and Drugs into remote aboriginal communities. Members from the Drug and Organised Crime Squad, the Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk, Federal Police and the Dog Operations Unit combined to disrupt the supply of these illicit substances into the communities via air and road transport.

Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Schiller said the operation involved the screening of passengers and freight at Darwin airport and strategic roadblocks across the Top End.

"Police will use every resource available against these people who are destroying lives and profiteering through the trafficking of drugs and alcohol.  The coordinated effort between the Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk, the Federal Police and our Detectives and Dog Squad Members has prevented a significant amount of drugs and alcohol from reaching its intended destination."

During the operation eighteen people were arrested for Possess, or Possess and Supply, Cannabis and eleven people were given summons for Possess Cannabis.

Thirty four people received Drug Infringement notices while another two were issued cautions for Possess Cannabis and Possess Kava.

A total of 1,737 grams of cannabis, 1kg of kava and 0.3 grams of methamphetamines were seized during the operation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Schiller said one of the more unusual seizures was 190 grams of cannabis secreted inside two frozen lamb roasts.

“The offenders in this case had gone to some effort to conceal the drugs inside the lamb before freezing it in an apparent attempt to confuse the Drug Detection Dogs.  The experienced dog Nugget was not fooled and gave a positive indication on the meat.  An x-ray revealed packages inside both roasts.

Anyone with any information regarding the supply of alcohol and drugs into communities is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or call Police on 131 444.