Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk (NSAID) Officers have seized 80 kilograms of kava after a positive reaction from Drug Detection Dog Bella.

Detective Superintendent Clint Sims, from the Drugs and Organised Crime Squad, said 40 kilograms of kava was found in two suitcases, allegedly belonging to a 27-year-old man.

“The man was arrested at Darwin Airport.

“Another man, aged 46, was arrested in the car park at the airport.

“Further investigations have led Police to a Winnellie address where another 40 kilograms of kava was allegedly discovered secreted into fuel containers.

“Police have arrested a 52-year-old man at this location.”

Detective Superintendent Sims said all three have been charged with supply a commercial quantity of kava and possess a commercial quantity of kava.

“This seizure would have a street value of at least $80,000.

“That is obviously a huge amount of money to come out of our Top End communities and it causes no end of harm to the people and families that live in these areas.”

They were remanded in custody to appear in the Darwin Magistrates Court today.