Detectives from the Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk concluded an operation this week disbanding a drug syndicate responsible for sending drugs into Arnhem Land.

Superintendent Gavin Kennedy said Operation Rheingold was initiated to detect and disrupt the flow of illicit drugs and kava entering Nhulunbuy.

“During the two week operation, members from the Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk, Dog Operations Unit and Northern Investigations Section conducted searches of freight, mail and 28 flights entering Nhulunbuy,” said Superintendent Kennedy.

The operation resulted in 13 arrests, 4 cautions and 3 people summonsed for a range of offences. A further 4 people were issued with Drug Infringement Notices.

A total of 60.2 kilograms of kava and 202.4 grams on cannabis was also seized throughout the operation.

“This has been a targeted operation that has led to a number of seizures and a comprehensive amount of intelligence gathered around the transportation and supply of drugs into Nhulunbuy,” said Superintendent Kennedy.

“It is alleged that the drugs were being taken into Nhulunbuy for the purpose of selling within the Arnhem Land communities, where the combined sale of the drugs would be in excess of $80,000

“Police will continue to target individuals and groups that seek to profit from the harm that illicit substances cause in our remote communities.”