A 32 year-old man has been arrested after allegedly transporting drugs and alcohol into a restricted area on Bathurst Island last night.

Remote Sergeant Christopher Grotherr from Wurrumiyanga Police said the man pulled his tinny into the barge landing area and was unloading his cargo when Police arrived.

“The man has taken off into the mangroves to avoid capture and has punched an officer when intercepted.  The officer has quickly recovered and arrested the man who Police will allege was in possession of 136 grams of cannabis.

“Police have seized the boat, a quantity of alcohol and the cannabis.”

Remote Sergeant Grotherr said the man was charged with the possession of a trafficable amount of cannabis, supply a dangerous drug in an aboriginal community, possess alcohol in a restricted area and assault Police.

“We thank the members of the community who continue to give us information when this type of offending is taking place.  Like us they want to keep the community safe and do not want drugs and alcohol here or the problem it causes.”

The man has been remanded in custody to appear in the Darwin Magistrate Court on May 20.

Photo of Remote Sergeant Christopher Grotherr and Constable 1C Jason Conroy with the seized boat