Detectives from the Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) have arrested a 22-year-old male in relation to drug offences in Darwin.
In June, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at the Sydney International Mail Gateway identified a package addressed to an alias in the Northern Territory, which allegedly contained hair products concealing 550g of ketamine.
ABF officers notified NT JOCTF members, and an investigation commenced as part of an ongoing importation operation.
Detectives identified that a 22-year-old male in Western Australia (WA) was allegedly involved in the illicit importation of substances under aliases to avoid detection by law enforcement.
On Friday 1 August, the 22-year-old male travelled from WA to the NT, and on Tuesday 5 August, he was apprehended by detectives from NT JOCTF while stopped at a petrol station along the Stuart Highway in Pinelands.
A lawful search of the male’s vehicle located a less than commercial quantity of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), a burner phone, three sim cards, and images of false identification allegedly used to facilitate importations.
The 22-year-old male was later charged with:
- 3 x Import border-controlled substance (Commonwealth)
- 2 x Attempt to possess border-controlled substance (Commonwealth)
- 1 x Possess schedule 1 dangerous drug – commercial quantity (NT)
He faced Darwin Local Court yesterday and has been further remanded to appear in court on 30 September 2025.
Superintendent Lee Morgan said, “The successful arrest of this individual highlights the effective coordinated efforts between the Northern Territory Police Force, Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police.
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to dismantling organised crime networks and preventing dangerous drugs from entering our communities.
“We remain vigilant and determined to disrupt illicit drug importations and ensure those responsible are held to account under the law.
“I commend the dedication and professionalism of all officers involved in this investigation and reaffirm our ongoing resolve to protect the Northern Territory from the harms associated with illegal drugs.”
ABF Inspector Nathan Grant said the operation was triggered thanks to the expertise of Australian Border Force officers who detected the drugs at the Australian border.
“The investigation began because of the keen intuition and vigilance of Australian Border Force officers, whose expertise and use of advanced detection technology led to the discovery of this deadly drug.
“Their actions demonstrate the power of intelligence-led enforcement and the critical frontline role the ABF plays in protecting our communities from emerging threats.”
Australian Federal Police Superintendent Greg Davis said, “The AFP worked closely with NT Police and Commonwealth partners through the Joint Organised Crime Task Force to disrupt all levels of the drug trade to protect the Australian community.
“LSD is a dangerous hallucinogenic drug, while ketamine is a dangerous sedative. The use of either can seriously affect your health or be fatal.
“We are working hard to prevent illicit substances from reaching our streets and stopping those who are trying to profit at the expense of community misery.”
