Katherine Detectives from the Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk have seized 101 deal-bags of cannabis secreted in an iced coffee container.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Ian Kennon said Drug Detection Dog Archie made the discovery at Katherine Airport this morning.

“A 35-year-old female has been charged with possess and supply a trafficable quantity of cannabis and possess a drug implement.

“Each deal bag weighed in at half a gram and would have been sold in a remote community for $100 each.

“Effectively, this has saved $10,000 being taken out of the community.”

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Kennon said Police were seeing an increase in people prepared to drive from Darwin to Katherine to catch a flight to remote communities in order to smuggle drugs.

“The Darwin based Detectives and Drug Dogs are providing such deterrence at Darwin Airport that some potential smugglers are going to extraordinary lengths to make their profit.

“Unfortunately for them the Katherine Detectives and Drug Detection Dogs are up to the task.”

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Kennon said drug trafficking is a serious problem in remote communities not just because of the health concerns but the significant cash costs which can see families going without essential supplies.

The woman was bailed to appear in the Alyangula Magistrates Court on 18 February.