A 55-year-old man has been arrested and charged following the seizure of 1.8kg of cannabis outside Alice Springs.

Detective Superintendent Brent Warren said members from the Southern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk (SSAID) and Dog Operations Unit conducted a search on a vehicle on the Stuart Highway, approximately 80km from Alice Springs yesterday.

“Drug Detector Dog Yona provided a positive response to a steel water container fixed to the wall of the vehicle. A further search revealed 1.8kg of cannabis concealed in four PVC pipes inside the container.

“The 55-year-old driver was arrested and had his vehicle seized,” Detective Superintendent Warren said.

He was charged with possession and supply of a commercial quantity of cannabis and remanded to appear in the Alice Springs Magistrates Court on Friday 6 June 2014.

“Police continue to target those bringing illicit items into our community and urge anyone who may witness any drug related activity to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”